2011

Season’s greetings to Save the Children

Hydro is making a special Christmastime contribution of NOK 500,000 to Save the Children.

Social programs a success in Brazil

Members of the Quilombolas communities near Hydro’s operations in Brazil appreciate the company’s social programs that benefit local society.

Nobel Concert a world of music

The Nobel Peace Prize Concert, with Hydro as a sponsor, will bring a wide variety of music to the stage in Oslo on Sunday, December 11.

Capital Markets Day 2011: Performance frontrunner

With substantial long positions within bauxite and alumina in a resource-constrained world, ambitious cost improvement programs in place throughout the value chain and the highly competitive Qatalum smelter in full operation, Hydro is now positioned as a performance frontrunner within the aluminium industry.

Highlighting the metal of the future at Qatar Aluminium Symposium

"Producing aluminium is technologically advanced. We therefore need good cooperation with universities like the Qatar University to educate the engineers of tomorrow producing the metal of the future, said Odd Ivar Biller, senior vice president in Hydro and Qatalum board member, at the Qatar Aluminium Symposium on November 24.

Executive Vice President purchases shares

Executive Vice President Arvid Moss has on November 24, 2011 purchased 4,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.93. Arvid Moss's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 77,457.

Closely related party to Executive Vice President purchases shares

A closely related party to Executive Vice President Johnny Undeli has on November 23, 2011 purchased 1000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.50 Johnny Undeli's new holding, including closely related parties, is 13,132.

Old office buildings can be energy-positive

The Powerhouse alliance is planning to renovate two office buildings near Oslo to be energy-positive. If the project is realized, the buildings will be the northernmost energy-positive retrofitted buildings.

Powerhouse online

The alliance developing energy-efficient building solutions, Powerhouse, has launched a new website and logo on powerhouse.no.

Old office buildings can be energy-positive

The Powerhouse alliance is planning to renovate two office buildings near Oslo to be energy-positive. If the project is realized, the buildings will be the northernmost energy-positive retrofitted buildings.

Greenwashing: a potential credibility problem for aluminium

"A producer promoting recycled content above 90 percent is 'greenwashing' its metal," Hydro's Roland Scharf-Bergmann warned in a speech at a Metal Bulletin conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday.

Energy unit in Hydro wins innovation award

The Portfolio unit in Hydro's Energy business area has won the Powel Innovation Award, recognizing Hydro's value-capturing ability within the fast-changing power markets in the Nordics and mainland Europe.

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has on November 1, 2011 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 27.50. Svein Richard Brandtzæg's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 62,847.

Alouette signs energy Memorandum of Understanding

The Canadian aluminium smelter Alouette, 20 percent owned by Hydro, and the Québec government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire energy for a potential expansion project.

Hydro executive elected President of Eurometaux

Oliver Bell, head of Hydro’s Rolled Products business, is the new President of Eurometaux. Based in Brussels, the association represents the interests of the European non-ferrous metals industry.

Third quarter 2011: Improved production performance, higher raw material costs

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax (EBIT) of NOK 1,646 million in the third quarter, down from NOK 1,906 million in the second quarter. The quarter was marked by higher production performance in Bauxite & Alumina, while seasonal declines and higher raw material costs had a negative impact on underlying results. Energy posted record third-quarter results.

German safety award to Building Systems

Hydro’s building systems brand Wicona received the German Occupational Safety and Health Award 2011 for the storage and logistics site in Gerstungen.

Fatal accident at the Albras JV in Brazil

A local contractor at Hydro’s majority-owned Albras smelter in Brazil died on Saturday from injuries sustained when hit by a forklift last week.

Qatar Norwegian School celebrates its 40 years

On October 6, 1971, a chartered plane from Norway landed in Doha, Qatar, with 21 adults and 26 children. The Qatar Norwegian School, established by Hydro, opened its doors six days later. The school is now celebrating 40 years of educating Norwegian kids living in Qatar.

Hydro awarded "French-Norwegian Trophy"

At the French-Norwegian Day in Oslo on Thursday, Hydro was given an award for the company's efforts in developing trade between France and Norway. When choosing the winner, the jury put special emphasis on Hydro's efforts in technological innovation.

Revamp of Holmestrand aluminium rolling mill

Hydro will revamp the hot mill at its rolled products plant in Holmestrand, Norway, with an investment of NOK 55 million (about EUR 6 million).

Hydro’s financial calendar 2011/2012

Hydro has updated its financial calendar for 2011 and 2012.

New head of Investor Relations in Hydro

Rikard Lindqvist has been appointed head of Investor Relations in Hydro and will be responsible for Hydro's contact with investors and financial markets in Norway and abroad.

Powerhouse wants to add expertise to energy-positive building project

The Powerhouse alliance, which includes Hydro, is looking for companies with expertise to participate in the development of Norway's first energy-positive commercial building. The building will be located at Brattørkaia in Trondheim.

Technical seminar on aluminium connecting lines draws attention at Febrava 2011

Nearly 500 technicians and industry visitors left the Febrava exhibition in São Paulo with important theoretical information about aluminium and aluminium connecting lines in the installation of split-unit systems. Hydro hosted the technical seminars.

Hydro bringing more aluminium to the Americas

Hydro will expand the scope of its sales of aluminium in the Americas, now that the Qatalum aluminium operation in Qatar is in full production.

Qatalum at full production

The Qatalum aluminium plant in Qatar has achieved full production capacity. The new and modern smelter, a 50/50 joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is serving global customers through its state-of-the-art products casthouse.

Hydro divests its stake in Alpart alumina refinery in Jamaica

Norsk Hydro ASA has today entered into an agreement to divest its 35 percent interest in the Jamaican bauxite and alumina partnership Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) to UC Rusal for a cash consideration of NOK 250 million (USD 46 million).

Family, fun focus on safety

Kids put safety in the spotlight at a recent “Safety and Fun Day” at Hydro’s aluminium extrusion plant in Birtley in the U.K. This is one example of how Hydro builds good community relations where the company operates around the world.

25 years ago: An aluminium giant is born

A very successful merger. This is how most people would characterize the new company – Hydro Aluminium – born in Norway 25 years ago, on September 1, after the merger with ÅSV. It was the day that brought to life a Norwegian aluminium giant with a strong base in the European market.

Lucky day! Hydro breaking ground in China

Hydro is breaking ground in Suzhou to help satisfy the growing local demand of high-value extruded aluminium products and solutions. Its expansion is proceeding as expected, and a pinch of Chinese luck is part of the plan.

Hydro walks for Oxfam fundraiser

Executive Vice President purchases shares

Executive Vice President Wenche Agerup has on August 23, 2011 purchased 10,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.23. Wenche Agerup's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 20,637.

Executive vice president and CFO purchases shares

Executive Vice President and CFO Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup on August 19 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.00 per share.

Hydro to install new environmental technology in Årdal

Hydro's technology center in Årdal, Norway, is installing a unit to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas from aluminium production. The unit will reduce annual emissions of SO2 from the technology center by 200 metric tons. It is the first industrial application of this technology.

Closely related party to board member purchases shares

A closely related party to Bente Rathe, Deputy Chairperson of Hydro’s Board of Directors, has on August 11, 2011 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 31.42 per share. Bente Rathe's new shareholding, including closely related parties, is 29,000.

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has on August 11 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 31.00 per share.

Norway Cup: Going home like champions

The boys' team from Alunorte Rain Forest made it all the way to the A finale in the Norway Cup. After losing the match on a penalty shoot-out, the team still had a lot to celebrate.

Closely related party to Executive Vice President purchases shares

A closely related party to Executive Vice President Johnny Undeli has on August 9, 2011 purchased 500 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.00 Jonny Undeli's new holding, including closely related parties, is 12,132.

Norway Cup: Alunorte team from Brazil aims high

The Alunorte Rain Forest soccer team from Brazil has a lot to celebrate while participating in the Norway Cup youth tournament in Oslo July 31-August 6.

Second quarter 2011: Results rise on higher volumes and prices

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax of NOK 1,906 million in the second quarter, up from NOK 1,448 million in the first quarter. Higher realized alumina and aluminum prices combined with higher volumes supported underlying results for the quarter.

Hydro sells non-strategic stake in Norwegian power producer

Norsk Hydro ASA has on July 25, 2011, entered into an agreement to divest its 20.86% non-strategic ownership stake in northern Norwegian power production company SKS Produksjon AS to Salten Kraftsamband AS for a cash consideration of NOK 1 billion for the shares.

Hydro investing in extrusion press in Brazil

Hydro is investing to add another extrusion press at its aluminium extrusion plant in Brazil. The extension will further strengthen the company's position and boost its ability to meet local demand and broaden its product range in a market that is increasing its consumption of high-value aluminium products.

Hydro’s partnership makes life better in Paragominas

A medical clinic and an educational center established with support from Hydro were recently inaugurated in Paragominas, Brazil.

Indian building keeps humming, even during power outages

Building-integrated solar cells help the employees at Hydro Building Systems’ new energy-efficient headquarters in Bangalore, India, work uninterrupted – even during power outages.

Commissioning of power plant further delays Qatalum ramp-up

Qatalum, the 50/50 joint venture aluminium plant between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is experiencing further delays in reaching full production due to challenges with the commissioning of the power plant’s steam turbines. Qatalum, currently producing at 70 percent capacity, is now expected to reach full production by the end of third quarter 2011.

All-aluminium MPE absorber wins at Intersolar

Hydro was one of the three winners of Intersolar's Innovation Award 2011 for its work on Savo-Solar's all-aluminium MPE absorber.

Hydro at GIFA: Global puzzle, local fit

Hydro will attend GIFA 2011, the foremost international trade fair of the shape-casting industry in Düsseldorf from June 28 to July 2, as a major supplier of primary aluminium foundry alloys.

Norway’s first energy-positive building coming to Trondheim

The Powerhouse alliance, consisting of developers Entra Eiendom, construction group Skanska, architects Snøhetta, environmental group ZERO and aluminium company Hydro will build Norway’s first – and the world’s northern-most – energy-positive commercial building, in Trondheim.

Hydro states aluminium case at Intersolar Europe

Hydro serves customers in each of the three main segments in the solar market – solar thermal, concentrated solar power, photovoltaic – for all areas of solar energy production. The company will display many of these aluminium applications at Intersolar Europe, the solar industry's largest exhibition.

Hydro wishes Amnesty happy 50th anniversary

Hydro has been a long-term supporter of the human rights organization Amnesty International Norway, and President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg joined many others in a celebratory video on the group’s 50th anniversary.

Bellenberg results prove energy-positive buildings possible

Measurements of the energy performance at Hydro’s aluminium building systems test center in Bellenberg, Germany, show that the building is generating 80 percent more electricity over the course of a year than it needs for its own consumption.

Metal Packaging Europe launched at Interpack

The head of Hydro's Rolled Products business area, Oliver Bell, has been appointed board member of Metal Packaging Europe, a new pan-European trade body which represents the united interests of producers and suppliers of rigid metal packaging.

Hydro participates in Industries Fair in Brazil

A stand presenting Hydro's operations in Brazil and around the world underlined the company's participation in the 10th Industries Fair of the State of Pará (FIPA) in Belem from May 18-21.

New member of Hydro’s board

Ove Ellefsen (55) has been elected member of Norsk Hydro ASA`s Board of Directors. Ellefsen, Project Supervisor in Hydro, replaces Jørn B. Lilleby as one of the Board`s three employee representatives.

Primary insiders purchase shares under Long Term Incentive program

Following approval by Norsk Hydro ASA’s Annual General Meeting in 2010, the Board of Directors established a Long Term Incentive (LTI) in the form of a remuneration of 30 percent and 25 percent of annual base salary for the President and CEO and the other members of the Corporate Management Board, respectively, in 2010.

Hydro joins prestigious industry group ICMM

Hydro has been accepted as a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), a global industry organization that is committed to sustainable business practices.

Høyanger plant wins prestigious “Competence Award”

Hydro's primary metal plant in Høyanger, Norway, has been honored with a “Competence Award 2011” from HR Norge, Norway’s member organization for HR and management personnel.

Issue of commercial paper

Norsk Hydro ASA has on May 9, 2011, issued a NOK 1,000 million commercial paper with maturity August 15, 2011, coupon 2.66% p.a. Arranger is DnB NOR Bank ASA, DnB NOR Markets.

Annual General Meeting approves dividend of NOK 0.75 per share

The Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA today adopted all the items as proposed on the agenda, including the proposal to distribute a dividend of NOK 0.75 per share.

Mythbusting in sunny Barcelona

“Energy production from solar cells and solar collectors is key to a Zero-Energy Building,” says Giovanni Nurzia, R&D project manager and solar “mythbuster” at Hydro's laboratory for Zero-Energy Buildings in sunny Barcelona.

Norway’s first energy-positive office building

Entra Eiendom, Skanska, architects Snøhetta, the environmental organization ZERO, and the aluminium company Hydro are entering into an agreement to build Norway’s first energy-positive office building. The new alliance, Powerhouse, plans to present its first building project in the summer of 2011.

First quarter 2011: Results rise on higher aluminium prices and stronger sales

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax (EBIT) of NOK 1,448 million in the first quarter, up from NOK 588 million in the fourth quarter. Higher realized aluminium prices and premiums, higher volumes and lower operating costs lifted underlying results for the quarter.

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.

Hydro reports preliminary 2010 pro forma financials after Hydro-Vale transaction

Norsk Hydro ASA is reporting preliminary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information for 2010 after completing the acquisition of Vale S.A.’s aluminium business on February 28, 2011. The preliminary pro forma financials are released to provide further details on the acquired businesses ahead of Hydro’s first quarter results 2011 to be released on April 29.

Hydro sells Rjukan industrial park

Hydro has entered into an agreement to sell Rjukan Næringspark, Hydro’s industrial park in Rjukan, Norway, to Rjukan Næringspark KS. Fearnley Finans Eiendom ASA has been the facilitator for the new partnership that has acquired the industrial park.

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2011

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA will be held at the company's head office at Vækerø, Drammensveien 260, 0283 Oslo on Thursday 5 May 2011 at 4 p.m.

Hydro at Interpack: “We can”

Hydro will demonstrate its aluminium solutions for the packaging industry at Interpack 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, on May 12-18.

More aluminium precision tubing at Shanghai show

Hydro's precision tubing unit in China has been steadily increasing its amount of deliveries to non-automotive customers, and the company is working to capture more business this year. Thursday was the first day of China Refrigeration 2011, and Hydro was ready in Shanghai.

Brazilian and Norwegian unions meet to kick off dialog

Employee representatives from Hydro’s board of directors met with local union leaders in Pará, Brazil, last week to discuss the systems and mechanisms for dialog across the company after the integration of the newly acquired Brazilian operations.

Hydro announces sheet and strip price hike

Hydro is hereby informing general engineering customers of a €50 per metric ton increase for uncoated 5xxx-series aluminium sheet and strip.

Hydro Day at NTNU

Hydro will hold an important profiling event at NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in Trondheim on Wednesday, April 6.

Aluminium foil scrap becomes art in Bonn

These tons of aluminium process scrap from Hydro's plant in Grevenbroich, Germany, should have been destined to become new foil for yoghurt pot lids, blister packaging for tablets or chocolate wrapping. Instead, they're art.

Annual reporting 2010: Turning point for a new era

Hydro's ambition is to be at the highest level of the world's aluminium industry, President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg states in the company's annual reporting for 2010, published on Hydro's web site on Friday.

Member of the Board purchases shares

Member of the Board of Directors in Norsk Hydro ASA, Bente Rathe including closely related party, has on March 17, 2011 purchased 17,479 shares in Hydro at NOK 42.04 per share. New holding is 24,000 shares.

InnoMateria Award to European project for super-light cars

The “SuperLIGHT-CAR” project and Hydro scientist Jürgen Hirsch were presented with a prestigious award at the InnoMateria conference and exhibition in Cologne, Germany, on March 15-16. 

Member of the Board purchases shares

Member of the Board of Directors in Norsk Hydro ASA, Inge K. Hansen, has on March 16, 2011 purchased 12,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 42,17 per share. New holding is 12,000 shares.

Hydro signs global frame agreement with unions

Hydro and four of its unions have signed an agreement aiming to secure the development of good working relations in Hydro’s worldwide operations.

Brandtzæg enthusiastic after go-round in Brazil

“My enthusiasm over the acquisition of Vale’s aluminium activities in Brazil certainly isn’t diminished after having been there and seen the facilities. It looks really good, and our goal is to make it even better,” says Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg after his first visit to Pará.

"Upward trend for alumina market prices"

“The future pricing of bauxite and alumina should reflect the fundamentals of the value chain,” Executive Vice President Johnny Undeli said in Metal Bulletin’s Bauxite and Alumina Conference in Miami this week.

Hydro-Vale aluminium transaction completed and share capital registered

The share capital increase related to the issue of the consideration shares to Vale Austria Holdings GmbH, a subsidiary of Vale S.A., in connection with Hydro’s take-over of Vale’s aluminium business, has now been registered with the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises and the share capital increase has hence been completed.

Hydro-Vale aluminium transaction to be completed today

Norsk Hydro ASA (Hydro) expects to complete the takeover of Vale S.A.’s (Vale) aluminium business today, February 28, 2011.

IAI launches aluminium recycling website

Hydro's President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg, who is chairperson of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), on Tuesday welcomed the launch of a new IAI website highlighting the recycling advantages of aluminium products.

Royalty in aluminium

When the best ski jumpers in the world prepare for flight at Oslo's Holmenkollbakken at the 2011 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, Norway's royal family will watch from their new aluminium-and-glass arena suite – complete with aluminium building components from Hydro.

Fourth quarter 2010 affected by lower prices and higher costs, Vale closing on track

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax (EBIT) of NOK 588 million in the fourth quarter, down from NOK 965 million in the third quarter. Lower realized aluminium prices, higher operating costs and seasonally lower sales volumes weakened underlying results.

New research project launched on aluminium production in Qatar

A research project on aluminium production in Qatar has been launched by the Materials Technology Unit (MTU) at the Qatar University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Qatalum aluminium company and Hydro.

Centro Alum and Hydro – trusted partners

Centro Alum is celebrating 25 years in business supplying aluminium extrusions for windows and doors around Barcelona. Building close relationships based on trust is the secret to its success.

New Wicona window systems for passive houses now available

Hydro's building systems brand Wicona is launching a new, more accessible aluminium window system for the energy-effective "passive" house market.

Hydro wins orders for tubing for solar collectors

Hydro has captured its first aluminium tube orders for solar collectors, and taken the lead in Europe in the introduction of aluminium tubes to the solar thermal industry as a replacement for traditional copper tubes.

Green light for development of Vasstøl power station

Hydro has decided to build the Vasstøl power station in Suldal, Norway, in connection with a rehabilitation of the dam at Finnabuvatn, which will serve as the power station intake and main reservoir. The total investment is NOK 95 million.

Hydro wins first prize at BAU

Hydro’s building systems brand Wicona won the first prize in the building rehabilitation category at the world’s biggest building exhibition, BAU 2011, in Munich, Germany.

Hydro invests downstream in China

Hydro is investing to extend its Suzhou plant with two new aluminium extrusion presses. The extension will increase the ability of the company to meet local demand for products and components in the largest downstream aluminium market in the world.

Hydro and MIT working together to improve aluminium recycling

Hydro has entered into an agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop modeling and analyses to optimize the recycling of aluminium.

Capital Markets Day 2010: Shaping the future

After an eventful 2010 and the announcement of the biggest transaction in the company’s history, Norsk Hydro ASA is preparing for a new era as a resource-rich and fully integrated aluminium company. A persistent focus on costs and operational performance remains the top priority, as Hydro climbs into a new league in a growing global aluminium industry.

Fatal accident at Hydro’s LogNor facility in France

A subcontractor working at Hydro’s LogNor facility near Soissons in France suffered fatal injuries on Saturday from an electric shock during installation work at the new logistics and surface treatment plant for Wicona, a brand within Hydro’s building systems operations.