"Climate change affects us all. For aluminium as a material and Hydro as a company, the potential to help solve the greatest threat of our time far outweighs the problems we face," says Hydro's strategy director Arvid Moss.
Moss emphasizes that Hydro is stepping up to do its part of the 'climate job'. This is the ambition in the company's climate strategy.
"All strategic development opportunities and investment in equipment or products will be measured against climate change. Will this contribute positively or negatively? It is crucial to place an understanding of climate change's opportunities and challenges front and center," says Moss.
Holistic perspective necessary
"With our history as a leading technology company, we need to be out in front when it really matters. Hydro has faced immense challenges before - and helped to solve them. In the face of current climate challenges we remain technology optimists - in our own research and development, our business development, collaborations and partnerships.
We try therefore to have a holistic view of the value chain," emphasizes Moss. This does not stop when the metal or aluminium products are delivered to the customers.
"We must understand and care about the entire life cycle of the products we and our customers provide and how the end customers use products that contain aluminium.
Opportunities both upstream and downstream
The strategy director points to how the development of the next generation of electrolytic cells is being approached and the potential for accumulating and concentrating carbon dioxide.
Also within the processing area there can be a lot to gain, for example, in partnership with innovative organizations.
"Not the least, we are enthusiastic about our work on the development of energy-neutral buildings. This area is full of opportunities," says Arvid Moss.
"About 40 percent of the energy in the western world is consumed inside and in connection with buildings. A great deal can therefore be achieved through an increased focus on energy-neutral buildings and we see business opportunities arising from Hydro's expertise here," he says.
Strong environmental profile with aluminium
Much of what we work with reduces climate-related issues over the life-cycle of the products, for example through the use of aluminium in the automotive and transportation sectors. The same applies to packaging. Our materials help trucks, vans and trains travel with lighter loads.
"The production technology we are developing today, we hope to implement in just a few years. At the same time we have to be realistic. Today's most modern and energy efficient technology will still have to live on in parallel with the new and more climate-friendly solutions for many years. In other areas replacement can happen much faster, for example, in connection with buildings and solar."
Recycling increasingly important
He adds that Hydro's work with recycling will be increasingly important.
"About 75 percent of all aluminium produced in the world is still in use. We need to help to ensure that it never disappears, but is remelted in the most efficient way when that time comes. For this reason we will be more active in recycling," concludes Arvid Moss.
