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Karmøy technology pilot

Hydro's pilot plant in Karmøy has the most climate and energy-efficient aluminum production technology in the world. The technology pilot is ground breaking for Hydro, Norway and the world.

female worker in protective gear on factor floor
production start 2018. annual production 75.000 tonnes aluminium. 15% more energy efficient compared to world average. World's lowest co2 footprint.
The pilot plant will produce aluminium with the highest energy efficiency and smallest CO2 footprint in the world. Photo: Hydro/Multiconsult

Hydro wants to use the technology pilot in Karmøy to roll out the world's most energy and climate-efficient technology for producing aluminum.

aluminium factory hall
Using 60 new pots, the pilot plant will produce about 75 000 tonnes of aluminium a year. Aluminium production started in early 2018. Photo: Hydro/Marius Motrøen

Compared with the world average, the technology developed by Hydro's researchers will reduce energy consumption in aluminum production by 15 percent. The low energy consumption, coupled with high productivity, means that Hydro can safely say that the technology pilot in Karmøy will be a world leader.

Technology developed by Hydro

Hydro is a world leader in research and development in the aluminum industry. In recent years the researchers in Hydro's technology centers in Årdal, Porsgrunn and Neuss in Germany have developed the next generation in electrolysis technology which will reduce energy consumption and emissions in the aluminum industry. It is this technology that is now being tested in a full scale production plant.

male worker in protective gear on factor floor

75,000 tonnes of aluminum per year for cars and buildings

The pilot facility is built at Hydro's existing aluminum plant in Karmøy in Rogaland County, Norway. The pilot will add 75,000 tonnes of aluminum production per year to the existing capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes. Hydro Karmøy produces aluminum products used in plates and profiles in the construction and automotive industries, and aluminum wire for high voltage lines, among other applications.

Updated: March 01, 2019