During 2008, Hydro allocated NOK 606 million to R&D compared to NOK 507 million in 2007. The greater part of this goes to our in-house research organization, while the remaining supports work carried out at external institutions. We have a number of R&D centers in Europe and established in February 2009 a new Technology and Competence Center in Doha, Qatar.
Our main R&D tasks are connected to our smelter technology and product development. In February 2008 test production commenced on a new generation of electrolytic cells at the Årdal Research Center in Norway. The goal is higher energy efficiency, lower PFC emissions and thus a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydro made significant progress developing technology and solutions for energy neutral buildings, by combining high thermal performing facades, windows and doors with solar photovoltaic and thermal collector solutions. Hydro Building Systems completed an energy neutral building for its own use – the new test center and office building in Ulm, Germany.
The Hydro Technology Board aims to further enhance innovation and ensure that we live up to our ambition to be a leader in technology.
