Investment in Solar Energy for Decarbonization
Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum producer, is advancing sustainability at its Alumetal recycling plant in Kety, Poland. As part of its decarbonization strategy, Hydro will install solar panels to generate 1,000 MWh of electricity annually, covering 15% of the plant’s energy needs. The panels will be operational by Q2 2025, marking a key milestone in Hydro’s renewable energy goals.
The 870,000-euro ($910,232) investment includes both solar panel installation and upgrades to the plant’s energy infrastructure, including security and electrical measurement systems. These actions align with Hydro’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 by 2050.
Importance of Renewable Energy in Aluminum Recycling
In the aluminum industry, energy is crucial, especially for companies like Hydro that focus on recycling aluminum. Recycling aluminum uses only 5% of the energy required for primary production. Hydro believes that every step toward renewable energy is vital in achieving net-zero goals. The solar energy at the Kety plant will reduce reliance on external power, helping the company meet its carbon reduction targets and enhance sustainability.
Hanne Simensen, Hydro’s EVP of Aluminum Metal, emphasized, “Switching to renewable energy is critical for decarbonizing our value chain. Every step, no matter how small, matters in getting to net-zero.”
Local Impact and Increased Energy Efficiency
The solar panels will generate 1,000 MWh of renewable electricity, covering part of the Kety plant’s energy needs. Any excess electricity will be supplied to the local grid, benefiting nearby homes and businesses.
Agnieszka Drzyżdżyk, Alumetal’s CEO, highlighted that this investment will improve energy efficiency and circularity in operations. It will also reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, making it more self-sufficient and sustainable.
Recent Investments to Strengthen Sustainability Efforts
Hydro’s solar investment follows other efforts to modernize Alumetal’s operations. The company has committed to a 200 million Norwegian kroner ($17.9 million) investment to expand the Kety plant’s capacity by 30,000 metric tons. This upgrade will improve safety and efficiency, with completion expected in mid-2025.
Additionally, Hydro’s acquisition of Alumetal in 2023 strengthened its position in Europe’s low-carbon aluminum recycling market. The company is also enhancing the sustainability of its products, having completed an environmental product declaration for its recycled foundry alloy aluminum.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.