Julien Goutal met his Norwegian wife during his studies, and after a few years living in France they wanted to try their luck in Norway. Hydro was the first choice for this engineer with a passion for industry.
Not long after starting in Hydro you were given the opportunity to work in Qatar?
"During my first year in Hydro I had a great variation in tasks to develop my project skills and knowledge of aluminium. After a year, I had the opportunity to go to Qatar and work on building the aluminium plan Qatalum, which is the largest Norwegian industrial project abroad ever. Initially I commuted down there but eventually my wife and I moved there and our daughter was born in Doha. It was a wonderful experience, both professionally and for my family.
You learn a lot working on a complex construction site and it is important to take the different cultures into account in order to achieve the best possible collaboration. I must say that I am impressed by the way Hydro manages their projects - from feasibility studies to implementation and completion. It is very professional at every step and HSE always has top priority."
And now you've gone from aluminium in Qatar to hydro power in Norway?
"When I came back to Norway in 2010, I was asked what I would like to work with and I answered hydro power! On the Holsbru power plant project I was given responsibility for all mechanical contracts. This kind of challenging work and opportunities for professional development are what I like about my job. Hydro is a big company with a lot to offer!"
What lies in the future for Hydro?
"The most important goals will be to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminium will contribute to meeting these goals. Lighter cars use less energy and buildings can be energy neutral thanks to smart façades made out of aluminium. Aluminium can also be recycled indefinitely. With a hundred years' worth of raw materials in Brazil and strong positions throughout the entire aluminium value chain, Hydro is ready for the future."
Text: Ingvild Telle
