Hydro to deliver first near-zero carbon aluminium in 2022, a step to carbon-free aluminium by 2030

Hydro is nearing to give shape to its new sustainability ambition, announcing to most likely deliver the first commercial volumes of near-zero carbon aluminium in 2022. This will be an initial step to its continuing efforts towards an industrial-scale pilot producing carbon-free aluminium by 2030.

Hydro says that it will deliver the first commercial volumes of aluminium with 0.5-1 kg CO2/kg aluminium, which will come from the use of more recycled post-consumer aluminium scrap, a significant improvement from the current 2.3 kg CO2/kg aluminium in Hydro CIRCAL extrusion ingot.

President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim said, “The world needs a green transition to fight climate change. This is both our most important challenge and our biggest opportunity. The world must reduce its carbon emissions and I am excited to announce Hydro’s ambition to deliver the first commercial volumes of near-zero carbon aluminium already in 2022.”

Hydro is also working towards developing solutions for carbon-free aluminium by 2030. To secure the value of existing smelters, the company is developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions that can be retrofitted into its aluminium plants.

To recycle post-consumer aluminium, Hydro will reportedly use its sorting technology and alloying expertise, in combination with replacing natural gas with green hydrogen or electrical heating at recyclers and casthouses.

Hydro has also announced its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. According to the company’s projection, the next decade will see more demand for low-carbon and carbon-free aluminium, produced using renewable energy.

“Climate, environment and social responsibility are mutually dependent. To succeed in decarbonizing society, we must strengthen our ambitions in all areas. We are strengthening our technology development to succeed, and production capacity will be developed in line with market demand. With our new sustainability strategy, we are raising the bar, setting clear ambitions where we will contribute to a fair and circular society,” said Aasheim.