Hydro’s competitive advantage is our ability to innovate. We constantly create better and more efficient products by applying our expertise in energy-efficient production, advanced metallurgy and value-added products and services.
Committed to innovation
As a technology-driven company, we value innovation highly, making large investments in technology and product development every year. These investments produce valuable returns, helping to keep us at the leading edge of our industry.
One example is the Qatalum aluminium metal plant in Qatar. When complete, Qatalum will be the largest aluminium plant in the world built in a single phase. It will be a capable of producing 585,000 tonnes of aluminium a year.
When completed, the Qatalum will be one of the most cost-effective aluminium plants in the world. First metal is expected around the end of 2009.
The technology we are using in Qatalum is the result of a drive for continuous improvement. Our next-generation cell technology, called HAL4e, helps us lower emissions per tonne of produced aluminium.
Globally, about 40 percent of energy is consumed in buildings. Through our building systems brands Domal, Technal and Wicona, we are developing systematic processes and products for reducing energy consumption in buildings.
The three companies develop aluminium facades, doors, windows and other building components that help reduce energy usage. Along with another part-owned company, Ascent Solar Technologies in the U.S., we are pulling these technologies together to make buildings even more energy-efficient.
Using aluminium in automotive applications helps reduce vehicle weight, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Customer-driven advances
All our innovation is driven by close ties to our customers. Staying on top of market developments and customer needs helps to keep us responsive and relevant. For instance with Nicholl Food Packaging of the U.K. and its customer, food retailer Marks & Spencer, we created a new generation of smooth-walled aluminium trays that keep food fresher, look more attractive in store and are made from recycled metal.
Our aluminium recycling facility in Holmestrand, Norway, was able to come up with the quality of aluminium foil that Nicholls needed to produce the trays for Marks & Spencer. They did it through close teamwork between customer contacts, metal production and processing teams. Going the extra distance for customers helps us create breakthrough solutions.
