Hydro decides to invest NOK60 million in Ardal aluminium plant to upgrade electrolysis cells

Norsk Hydro ASA, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, has reportedly planned for an investment of NOK60 million to upgrade the electrolysis cells at the aluminium plant in Ardal, Norway. The project will improve the working environment for the operators at the metal plant, reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and contribute to increased profitability. Work on the upgrade is slated to start in the spring of 2022.

The investment will also allow Hydro Ardal to use next-generation cell control system, developed from the technology used in Hydro’s technology pilot at Karmøy. New cell control system is expected to be introduced at the end of 2022, which will save energy of around 860 MWh annually.

“The aluminum plant in Årdal is core to Hydro's Norwegian production system. The plant supplies low-carbon aluminum to customers with high quality expectations across Europe. In addition, Hydro Årdal is the main supplier of anodes to the other Norwegian aluminum plants. For us, safety and working environment always come first, and in addition, this investment will be used to modernize operations for the future,” said Ola Sæter, Head of Primary Production in Norsk Hydro.

Wenche Eldegard, Plant Manager at Hydro Årdal, commented: “We are pleased with the investment, which will both provide a better working environment and increased safety for our operators and modernize the electrolysis process. This project is important to position Hydro Årdal for a future where the production of low-carbon aluminum is becoming increasingly important.”

“In the next few years, Hydro Årdal will make important contributions to Hydro’s ambitious climate goals, both through modernization of the plant and increased recycling of post-consumer scrap in the aluminium production. Furthermore, the research center will be central in developing new technology that will reduce the CO2 footprint from Hydro's aluminum production even further,” said Sæter.