Innovation. An exciting future. In aluminium
Biggest and most efficient
Qatalum will be a world-class aluminium metal plant. The production technology employed is one of the most advanced in the world.
It is Hydro’s own technology that will make the new Qatar metal plant the world’s most advanced aluminium producer. We use the same production technology in our own plants while continuously developing it. A decade of research has made it more and more energy efficient. Step by step. This has also resulted in lower emissions of CO2. The technology has been successfully utilized at Sunndal, Europe’s biggest aluminium metal plant.
Improved work processes
We strive to improve the way we work. Every single day. In all parts of the organization.
We have made quantum leaps before. And we will make new ones. All the same: The most important improvements are those that take place every day, in the workplaces of our 22,000 employees. By means of continuous improvement processes and determined cooperation throughout our global organization, we develop Hydro’s production systems and work processes. At every stage of our operations.
The details decide
Refrigerated food display cases become easier to stock and clean with an innovative hinge. Made from three aluminium extrusions.
The hinge allows the glass cover to be swung up and away from the display case, replacing the previous fixed solution. It was developed at our Ornago, Italy, extrusion plant for ISA Italy Spa, which produces food display coolers for supermarkets and other retail outlets. Says Giuseppe Colombrita, from the Ornago technical department: “The customer came to us with a need. We developed a new concept. It’s a completely new system.”
More renewable energy
Nevada Solar One is one of the biggest solar energy parks in the world. Aluminium profiles from Hydro help produce more renewable energy.
The energy plant in Nevada, USA, is enormous. It covers an area equivalent to 200 soccer pitches. Production came on stream in summer 2007, and the plant produces power enough to meet the needs of 14,000 households. In collaboration with Nevada Solar One, Hydro has developed advanced aluminium profiles for more than 180,000 moveable mirrors that concentrate the sun’s rays. The result is more energy for a better climate.
Testing the next generation
Improved energy utilization and lower emissions are necessary in order to curb global warming. That is why we are developing and testing new technology.
In spring 2008 we commenced trial production at a test plant in Årdal; Norway, designed to make aluminium production more efficient. We are also looking into the possibility of capturing the carbon dioxide produced during aluminium production. The test plant builds on the technology we have developed in-house. If the plant lives up to our expectations, the technological progress made will boost aluminium’s contribution to meeting the climate challenge.
Systematic solar energy
Through product development and collaboration with the most innovative players in the industry, Hydro is making solar energy more systematic.
Domal, Technal and Wicona, three leading suppliers of building systems, are all wholly owned by Hydro. They develop doors, windows and other top quality building systems. In the western world, more than 40 percent of all energy is consumed in buildings. We plan our systems with the aim of minimizing energy consumption and improved comfort. Together with our part-owned company Ascent Solar we are bringing solar technology one more step forward. And improving its integration in more energy-efficient buildings.
