Metal of the future
Hydro is a global supplier of aluminum and aluminum products. The company is the second-largest producer of hydroelectric power in Norway, as well as being the largest consumer. The company needs large amounts of energy for its smelters in Norway. Knut Harald works in Hydro’s Energy business area in the Portfolio & Trading department..
“It takes a lot of energy to make aluminum. The advantage of aluminum is that it can be recycled forever. And recycling needs only a fraction of the energy that was originally needed to produce the metal,” he says.
Aluminum is a lightweight metal and can be used in everything from cars and buildings and other everyday items like iPhones and bikes, says Knut Harald. He likes that Hydro wants to help solve the major issues related to energy, the environment and population growth. The company's mission is that it will help to create a sustainable society by harnessing natural resources in an innovative and effective way.
“Aluminium is a part of the solution. Much of our production is based on renewable energy from hydropower, and we save the environment when we recycle and reuse the metal. Therefore, we believe that aluminum is the future of metal.”
People are a resource
After serving in the military, Knut Harald chose to study at NTNU in Trondheim for five years. The heavy mathematics was a big transition for him.
“But we were many students in the same situation who helped each other,” Knut Harald recalls.
He chose Industrial Economics and Technology Management for his master’s degree. At the university, Hydro was clearly present, through research collaboration with NTNU.
“NTNU students are very attractive in the job market,” says Knut Harald.
Today he has a competitive salary and an expectation of the workplace that is already fulfilled. In Hydro, he experiences that the employees are as important as natural resources. The company focuses on creating value - even through people.
“I have already attended five courses, part of Hydro's ’Graduate Program’ for graduates. In a session I was familiar with Hydro employees worldwide,” he says.
Through the gatherings, Knut Harald and his colleagues learned more about the company and its history. It was over 100 years ago that Kristian Birkeland, Sam Eyde and Marcus Wallenberg laid the foundation for what would become Hydro.
Today Birkeland adorns the Norwegian 200-kroner bill. Knut Harald thinks the company’s history is fascinating. “We learned how Hydro has long shaped society and also taken a big responsibility,” he says.
International environment
Hydro currently has 13,000 employees in more than 50 countries, 4,000 of them in Norway, and has activities on all continents. The working language is English, and Knut Harald likes the idea that Hydro provides opportunities internationally.
“In my department, there are many who have worked abroad and have received great help to have a valuable stay,” he says.
In the field
Knut Harald looks forward to going to work every day. On a normal working day he and his colleagues start with a morning meeting. After a briefing by analysts, the department makes commercial decisions in the energy market.
“A lot is happening in the energy market now. There is much to consider and it is important to find the best balance between markets. There are also a number of trips to Hydro’s power plants in Sogn, Suldalslågen and Telemark, and it is on these trips I really get to see the size of the power stations, and the work Hydro does,” Knut Harald says.
