Increased demand for low-carbon aluminium
While a turbulent global landscape and lower industrial activity has reduced aluminium demand over the past year, Hydro has sold more low-carbon aluminium in recent years. In the energy transition, properties such as weight, durability and recyclability give aluminium a competitive advantage. An aluminium conductor with the same electrical conductivity as a copper conductor weighs approximately 50 percent less, or half the weight, of a copper conductor.
“We see in our own sales figures an increasing awareness in the market that future renewable energy must be transported with renewable materials. Despite generally weaker demand in 2024, Hydro sold more low-carbon and recycled aluminium last year than in both 2023 and our record year in 2022,” says Kallevik.
The new casthouse will contribute to increased product flexibility in a volatile aluminium market, where the markets for automotive and building systems are particularly challenging. With a new wire rod casthouse, Hydro can produce more aluminium wire for a rapidly growing market.
“Europe’s transition from imported fossil energy to domestically produced renewable power opens an exciting market when the infrastructure behind the electrification wave is to be built. Our ambition is for Hydro to play a key role as a stable, reliable supplier of the aluminium solutions Europe needs to succeed,” says Kallevik.
The project is pending final build decision which will be made in the fourth quarter of 2025. The investment is included in Hydro’s annual investment plans of approximately NOK 15 billion.
