2008

In close cooperation with Qatar University

Qatar University has signed an agreement with Hydro and Qatar Aluminium Company (Qatalum) to establish a faculty chair of aluminium production at the university's College of Engineering.

Congratulating the Nobel Peace Prize winner

As one of the main sponsors of the Nobel Peace Concert and the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Hydro had the opportunity to congratulate this year’s peace prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, at a reception before the concert Thursday evening.

Qatalum trains construction workers in safe work at heights

At any construction site, working at heights represents the most dangerous work situation. The Qatalum aluminium project in Qatar is taking near 4,000 construction workers through a "Safe work at heights" course to ensure everyone’s safety.

Renewed contract with ABB

Hydro Aluminium Profiler AB has signed a new contract with ABB Motors in Västerås, Sweden. It involves the continued delivery of motor housings for the company’s low-voltage DC industrial motors until the end of 2010.

Hydro's Søderberg facility at Karmøy to close in first quarter 2009

The Board of Directors of Norsk Hydro ASA on Wednesday approved the plan to close prematurely the oldest electrolytic technology at Hydro’s Karmøy aluminium plant, the Søderberg potlines.

Building potential untapped, UNEP report says

The huge potential of the building and construction sector for combating climate change remains virtually untapped, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative.

Ascent Solar reaches new technological milestone

Ascent Solar Technologies, a part Hydro-owned developer of solar energy solutions, has reached a new level of efficiency in its main product – super-thin, flexible modules that produce electricity from the sun’s rays.

Hydro adds to recycling capabilities in Hamburg

Hydro has inaugurated a new recycling furnace at its aluminium rolled products plant in Hamburg. The EUR 12 million investment underlines the company's mission to create a more viable society by developing natural resources and products in innovative and efficient ways.

Green light for more power from Tyin

Hydro was given the green light by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on Friday for a 74 GWh production increase at Tyin power station. Hydro wishes to use the water from the Holsbruvatn lake in the Tyin water system to increase production at the power station, which is located in the municipality of Årdal.

Dash of Domal in Algarve speedway

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve – the most impressive motor speedway in Portugal – has opened. Soon, Formula One race cars will be spinning around the track, with Domal-brand aluminium building systems all around them.

Hydro’s Søderberg potlines at Karmøy may be closed prematurely

The oldest electrolytic technology at Karmøy aluminium plant, the Søderberg potlines, may be closed earlier than so far scheduled. The current market situation has also made Hydro temporarily shelve its plans for a new, modern production line at Karmøy.

President and CEO transfers shareholding

The President and CEO of Norsk Hydro ASA, Eivind Reiten, has on November 25, 2008 transferred his total shareholding in Hydro, 86,972 shares, to his wholly owned company Mocca Invest AS. The transfer was done at NOK 32.30 per share according to valuation per September 29, 2008.

Hydro reduces Karmøy Søderberg production by 20 percent

Hydro has decided to reduce production in the oldest part of the Karmøy aluminium plant, the Søderberg potrooms, by 20 percent from December in order to meet sharply falling demand in the aluminium market. This measure will not affect the permanent manning levels at Karmøy.

Canadian aluminium plant receives energy efficiency awards

The Canadian smelter Aluminerie Alouette, which is 20-percent owned by Hydro, has been honored with two energy efficiency awards.

‘Just what I needed!’

Christian Falch had a reason to smile when he was invited to Hydro headquarters in Oslo to claim his prize for winning our aluminium profiling competition.

Hydro to help raise eco-building in India

The Bangalore-based Beary's Global Research Triangle was selected as a finalist for Best Sustainable Project at the Real Estate Investment World Summit in Riyadh. Hydro in India is delivering energy-saving aluminium systems for the building.

Considering production cuts to meet lower demand

“The international financial crisis has hit the metal industry. We are therefore reviewing our entire global operations to consider measures that can adjust the production of primary aluminium to a market demanding less aluminium and fewer aluminium products,” says Hilde Aasheim, Hydro’s executive vice president responsible for the Aluminium Metal business area.

Hydro introduces new heat exchanger concept

Hydro introduced new aluminium concepts for heat exchangers, specifically designed for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration market, at Chillventa 2008 in Nürnberg.

Hilde Aasheim joins Hydro's corporate management board on November 1

Hilde Aasheim will join Hydro as executive vice president for the Aluminium Metal business area on November 1.

Brighter homes by Technal

Hydro wants to bring its Technal brand's 'Maisons de Lumière' shop concept around the world, where the tool can help generate even more interest in the aluminium building systems brand. The first shop outside France has just opened, in China.

Chairman of the Board purchases shares

Chairman of the Board of Norsk Hydro ASA, Terje Vareberg, has on October 28, 2008 purchased 10,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.70 per share. New holding is 10,000 shares.

Member of the Board Finn Jebsen purchases shares

Member of the Board of Norsk Hydro ASA, Finn Jebsen, has on October 24, 2008 purchased 10,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.20 per share. New holding is 32,545 shares.

Executive Vice President Anne Harris purchases shares

Executive Vice President Anne Harris of Norsk Hydro ASA, has on October 24, 2008 purchased 7,500 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.32 per share. New holding is 13.902 shares.

Member of the Board Sten Roar Martinsen purchases shares

Member of the Board of Norsk Hydro ASA, Sten Roar Martinsen, has on October 23, 2008 purchased 1,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 26.30 per share. New holding is 1,402 shares.

Executive Vice President Tom Røtjer purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Tom Røtjer, has on October 23, 2008 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 26.53 per share. New holding is 16,532 shares.

Executive Vice President Arvid Moss purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Arvid Moss, has on October 21, 2008 purchased 10,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 26.90 per share. New holding is 60,857 shares.

Executive Vice President Svein Richard Brandtzæg purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Svein Richard Brandtzæg, has on October 21, 2008 purchased 1,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 28.50 per share. New holding is 26,117 shares.

Third quarter 2008: Result hit by falling markets and input cost pressures

Hydro's underlying income from continuing operations was NOK 968 million in the third quarter of 2008, down from NOK 1,335 million in the previous quarter and NOK 2,114 million in the same quarter last year, mainly due to seasonally lower demand in weakening markets and continued pressure on upstream input costs.

Main supplier to the SafeRoad Group

Hydro Aluminium Profiler has signed an agreement with the SafeRoad Group, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of products and systems for road safety. The agreement makes Hydro the main supplier of aluminium extrusions, mainly used in the manufacture of road signs and their accessories.

Board chairman Vareberg: Further consideration of Libya issue up to the authorities

The chairmen of the boards of Hydro and StatoilHydro discussed the handling of the so-called Libya issue on Thursday.

Hydro chairman: Board’s trust in Reiten unquestioned

Hydro board chairman Terje Vareberg expresses surprise that certain media have questioned his attitude to the trust held in Eivind Reiten as President and CEO of the company.

Libya investigation report submitted to Økokrim

The investigation report into Hydro’s former oil operations in Libya and consultancy agreements relating to the company’s international oil and gas operations was submitted today to the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim). The investigation provides grounds for criticism of certain issues. The investigators’ report to the board was published today.

Hydro boosts investment in Ascent Solar

Hydro invested USD 15 million in the US solar energy company Ascent Solar on Monday. The purchase took place as Hydro exercised a call option issue, increasing the company’s ownership share from 26.5 to 35 per cent.

Buyback of shares

On October 6, 2008, Norsk Hydro ASA purchased 1,160,000 own shares in the market at a price of NOK 33.93 per share.

Buyback of shares

On October 2, 2008, Norsk Hydro ASA purchased 723,000 own shares in the market at a price of NOK 35.28 per share.

Buyback of shares

On September 30, 2008, Norsk Hydro ASA purchased 1,025,000 own shares in the market at a price of NOK 35.61 per share.

Buyback of shares

On September 29, 2008, Norsk Hydro ASA purchased 1,500,000 own shares in the market at a price of NOK 32.05 per share.

Keeping Qatalum safe, sound and on target

The Qatalum smelter is rising from the desert in Qatar thanks to the efforts from more than 12,000 workers currently on site from all over the world to erect this aluminium giant under challenging conditions.

Capital Markets Day 2008: Hydro's financial strength provides solid growth platform

Hydro is reinforcing its position as a leading aluminium company with industry-leading captive power position, world-class upstream growth projects and strong operational performance. Hydro’s solid financial position makes it well-equipped to weather short-term market uncertainties and volatility, while taking advantage of promising business opportunities.

Hydro and Vale join forces in new alumina project in Brazil

Hydro and the metals and mining company Vale have agreed to construct a new alumina refinery in northern Brazil, strengthening Hydro’s future alumina supply in line with its growth strategy.

ALUMINIUM 2008: Infinite ideas in aluminium on display

Hydro is showcasing infinite ideas in aluminium at the ALUMINIUM 2008 trade fair in Essen, Germany, September 23-25. (Press kit with news releases included.)

German web site launched by Hydro

Hydro launched a new German-language web site this week to support sales and profiling of the company in this important market. The launch coincided with the Aluminium 2008 trade show in Essen, Germany.

Farmand prize for best annual report – again!

Hydro’s annual report for 2007 landed both first prizes when the Norway’s traditional and prestigious “Farmand Prize” was awarded on Thursday evening. Hydro came out on top for the second year running in the class for printed reports from listed companies. In addition, the company took the gold award in the class for web-based reporting.

Primary insiders purchase shares

The following primary insiders of Norsk Hydro ASA have on September 19, 2008 purchased shares in Hydro:

Innovative systems suit Sheffield school

More than 450 Technal-brand windows, curtain walling and door systems have been used in the construction of Sheffield's newest school. The brand's aluminium systems are also being used to build three other academies in the UK.

Hydro and Vattenfall sign electricity contract

Hydro has signed a contract with Vattenfall for the supply of close to 18 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in Norway over an eight-year period, starting in 2013. It is one of the largest cross-border contracts since the integration of the Nordic power market in the early nineties.

Hydro disappointed at reversion setback

The supply of electrical power at stable and competitive terms is vital for the viability and competitiveness of Hydro’s aluminium operations. If the government’s original proposition concerning reversion, as now recommended by the energy and environment committee of the Storting, goes through unchanged, it will be almost impossible to carry out major new investments in Norway's aluminium industry.

Hydro tops sustainability index – again

Hydro scored highest among aluminium companies in this year’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranking, for the third year in a row.

Closer to the power of the sun

A Hydro team headed by President and CEO Eivind Reiten rubbed shoulders with more than 20,000 visitors at the world’s largest solar conference held in Valencia, Spain, this week, where 715 companies from across the solar value chain were showcasing their latest products and technologies to harvest the power of the sun.

Hydro renews agreement as main sponsor for Nobel Peace Center

Hydro and the Nobel Peace Center have signed an agreement to extend their partnership for an additional five years as of January 1, 2009. The sponsorship provides for NOK 3 million per year.

Raeren plant reaches out to Oxfam

Hydro's Raeren extrusion plant received more than 1,000 visitors in its role as co-sponsor of Oxfam Trailwalker, a two-day charity event in Belgium that concluded on August 31. The event supports Oxfam projects in developing countries.

Executive Vice President Svein Richard Brandtzæg purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Svein Richard Brandtzæg, has on August 19, 2008 purchased 3,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 54.90 per share. New holding is 25,117 shares.

Executive Vice President Arvid Moss purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Arvid Moss, has on August 19, 2008 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 55.20 per share. New holding is 50,857 shares.

Executive Vice President John Ove Ottestad purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, John Ove Ottestad, has on August 19, 2008 purchased 17,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 55.00 per share. New holding is 78,707 shares.

Executive Vice President Odd Ivar Biller purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Odd Ivar Biller, has on August 19, 2008 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 55.00 per share. New holding is 18,872 shares.

Even closer to Sam Eyde

“Are we still discovering new knowledge about Sam Eyde in 2008? Definitely. And it’s all very interesting,” states Bjørnar Johansen at the Hydro Museum in Notodden as he looks across at Paulina Armata, one of the museum guides this summer. Hydro’s founders continue to fascinate. Hydro’s pioneers still attract people’s interest more than a century after the company was founded.

Sale of QVC shareholding completed

Norsk Hydro ASA has today completed the sale of its 29.7 percent ownership interest in Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC) to Qatar Petroleum. The transaction represents net proceeds to Hydro of USD 136 million (NOK 735 million). The transaction is expected to result in a gain of approximately NOK 100 million to be recorded in the third quarter results. This completes the divestment of Hydro’s Polymers activities.

Reiten meets Brazil’s President Lula

Hydro CEO Eivind Reiten was greeted by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the official opening of the third expansion of Alunorte on Thursday, highlighting the position of this cornerstone facility as the world’s leading alumina refinery.

Executive Vice President Tom Røtjer purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Tom Røtjer, has on August 14, 2008 purchased 3,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 57.10 per share. New holding is 11,532 shares.

Aasheim to head Aluminium Metal in Hydro

Hilde Merete Aasheim will take on the position as executive vice president for Aluminium Metal in Norwegian aluminium company Norsk Hydro ASA. Aasheim, 49, will replace Torstein Dale Sjøtveit on Hydro’s corporate management board.

Executive Vice President Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup purchases shares

Executive Vice President of Norsk Hydro ASA, Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup, has on August 13, 2008 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 58.20 per share. New holding is 6,662 shares.

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO of Norsk Hydro ASA, Eivind Reiten, has on August 13, 2008 purchased 7,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 58.20 per share. New holding is 86,972 shares.

Latin American success in Norway Cup

This year's Norway Cup was a success for Hydro and the sponsored teams, both on and off the field. The team of young boys from Jamaica made it all the way to the final in their class, while the Brazilian team seized victory in the B Final. Meanwhile all participants conducted themselves in exemplary fashion and enjoyed an injury-free tournament.

Goal at Norway Cup

From the first kick of the Norway Cup soccer tournament in Oslo last Sunday – Hydro was there, as we have for the last 10 years. This year, Hydro is sponsoring 54 football players from three different teams related to our operations in Brazil, Jamaica and Slovakia. The positive effects of the sponsorship are clear.

Technal honors Spain's top architecture

The aluminium building systems brand Technal has honored some of Spain's most respected and recognized architects for their work on some of the country's most splendid new buildings.

Piflex® ready for application in CO2 systems

Hydro's high-pressure flexible aluminium tube solution for "green" air conditioning systems has exceeded the test specifications set by the German Association of the Automotive Industry and is being tested by potential customers.

Fatal accident at Suzhou

A 35-year-old contractor working at Hydro's Suzhou site died in hospital of the injuries incurred in a work-related accident on Saturday.

Strong aluminium price offset by rising input costs

Hydro's underlying income from continuing operations declined to NOK 1,335 million in the second quarter of 2008 from NOK 1,442 million in the previous quarter and NOK 2,152 million in the second quarter of 2007, mainly due to the weakening US dollar and an industry-wide rise in upstream input costs which more than offset the positive effect of higher aluminium prices.

Conversion prices for aluminium products raised

With immediate effect, Hydro is raising prices for the conversion of rolled aluminium products. The measure is caused by the significant rise of energy costs, affecting directly the sourcing of gas and power, moreover indirectly the transport and packaging of products. In addition, purchasing prices for alloy elements, namely magnesium, have risen further.

International awards for Hydro’s train film ad

Hydro’s train film ad, aimed at raising young peoples’ interest in science subjects, has received a number of international awards during the past year. Showered with gold and silver medals in domestic and international advertizing industry competitions, the ad has become one of the most recognized Norwegian commercial ads ever.

Cost increases affect Hydro’s second quarter results

Norsk Hydro ASA expects to report an underlying EBIT of approximately NOK 1.6 billion for the second quarter compared to an underlying EBIT of NOK 2.0 billion in the first quarter. While Hydro is realizing a higher aluminium price during the quarter, Hydro is experiencing significant cost increases in the Aluminium Metal business area. The cost increases are mainly related to alumina prices, alumina freight, petroleum coke and other costs.

Sale of shares to employees

Norsk Hydro ASA has today sold 64,638 shares to certain employees at NOK 37.57 per share. The transaction is part of a general share purchase arrangement offered to the employees of Norsk Hydro ASA each year.

More custom fabrication, growth potential at Guaymas plant

Hydro's Extrusion Americas unit recently expanded production capabilities and capacity at its facility in Guaymas, Mexico. Two new CNC lathes and a cutoff machine allow the plant to produce custom-fabricated parts for industries such as automotive and alternative power generation.

Domal presents Ferrari Architecture exhibition

Hydro's Domal brand is presenting "Ferrari Architecture in Maranello," an exhibition that illustrates the effectiveness of combining aesthetic values with sustainability in buildings.

‘Dry’ river flows again

What had been a nearly a dry, stone desert is today an idyllic, living river through Rjukan, Norway.

Hydro adds Alumafel, moves to top in Spain

Hydro has formally acquired the privately owned Alumafel Group, one of the most established and well-known aluminium building systems brands in Spain.

Hydro continues cooperation with Save the Children

A new cooperation agreement with the Norwegian branch of Save the Children continues Hydro’s position as one of the most important supporters of the children’s rights organisation.

Denso honors Hydro on several continents

The Denso Corporation, the largest manufacturer of automotive components in the world, has honored Hydro for its work on several continents.

Hydro's train stunt film wins in Cannes

Hydro's train film went all the way to the top Saturday night during Cannes Lions 2008 International Advertising Festival. The film was awarded "Silver Lion", the top award in the category "Corporate" - considered to be a tough and prestigious category.

Technal puts touch on Sheffield student village

More than 5,000 Technal-brand windows are being used in the construction of a new student village at the University of Sheffield - one of the largest privately financed student accommodation projects in the UK.

Written warning from Nord Pool

Hydro has received a written warning from Nordic power exchange Nord Pool, which states that the company was in breach of insider trading rules in relation to a transaction that occurred on 17 April this year.

Årdal sunshine story

“Årdal has an important task in quenching the ever-increasing thirst for solar energy products worldwide. Expertise in the fields of metallurgy, processes and industrialization explain why Norway and Årdal can fulfill this role,” said Hydro President and CEO Eivind Reiten when he congratulated NorSun on the opening of the company’s first plant on Wednesday.

Record amperage at Årdal

The atmosphere was charged with excitement when President and CEO Eivind Reiten sent the signal to the rectifier to increase amperage in the new cells in the pilot plant at the Årdal Research Center on Wednesday. The amperage was raised immediately to 420 kA, the highest amperage recorded at a Norwegian smelter.

Dale Sjøtveit to leave Hydro

Torstein Dale Sjøtveit will step down from his position as executive vice president in Norsk Hydro ASA to take on a new job as chief executive officer in Norwegian shipbuilder Aker Yards ASA.

Hydro to sponsor two NTNU professorships

Hydro has agreed with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to sponsor two professorships for three years, opening up for extensive research across the aluminium value chain to bolster Norway’s position as a front runner in the metal of the future.

Complex project puts Hydro in Manchester

Unitized curtain walling from Wicona Projects has been specified for an 18-floor office tower in the heart of Manchester – believed to be the most complex building site in the city.

More awards for train film

Hydro’s recruiting film showing a group of young engineers-to-be sending a train in a loop continues to attract awards.

Hydro builds in Spain with Alumafel acquisition

Hydro has agreed to acquire the privately owned Alumafel Group, one of the most established and well-known aluminium building systems brands in Spain. The transaction confirms Hydro’s position as a leading player in the global building systems industry.

Promoting environmental advantages of aluminium at Carbon Expo

Aluminium is saving CO2 – in many ways. To explain how, Hydro is participating at the current Carbon Expo. The fair and conference in Cologne, Germany, is a global meeting point for companies operating on the CO2 market.

Annual General Meeting approves dividend of NOK 5.00 per share

The Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA has today adopted the Board of Directors` proposal to distribute a dividend of NOK 5.00 per share. The dividend will be paid on May 19, 2008 to ordinary shareholders listed in the Norwegian Central Securities Depository as of May 9. The share will be traded ex-dividend from May 7.

Hydro gives three reasons to visit Veteco

Each of Hydro's three aluminium building systems brands is presenting their most recent - and future - product developments at the Veteco International Window, Curtain Walls and Structural Glass trade show in Spain. The four-day exhibition at Feria de Madrid concludes on Friday, May 9.

View webcast of Hydro's annual general meeting

This year's annual general meeting in Norsk Hydro ASA is being held on Tuesday. If you cannot attend in person, you can follow a webcast of the proceedings on the Intranet.

Sale of shares to employees

Norsk Hydro ASA`s employees have purchased shares under a general arrangement offered to the employees of Norsk Hydro ASA each year.

New head of Hydro's Media Relations

Halvor Molland (35) has been appointed head of Media Relations in Hydro's Communication unit. He succeeds Inger Sethov, who was appointed Chief Communication Officer in Hydro in December.

Proposal for the election of members to Hydro's corporate assembly

The nomination committee of Norsk Hydro ASA has submitted its proposal for the election of new members and deputies to the company's corporate assembly.

25-year old dies following Holmestrand accident

A 25-year old man died on Tuesday morning from the injuries he suffered after being run over by a fork-lift truck in Hydro's Holmestrand rolling mill south of Oslo.

Strong operational performance, weak US dollar weighs down

Hydro invests in solar energy venture fund

Hydro is investing NOK 50 million in Convexa, a Norwegian venture fund specializing in technology companies working within the field of solar energy. This investment will give Hydro a greater insight into technology developments that are of importance for the company’s solar energy business.

Win an award for your innovative product

The European Aluminum Award, part-sponsored by Hydro, is open for entries submitted by our customers.