What the Project Is
Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future. The project is all about changing the aluminium game with low‐carbon, recycled aluminium and renewable energy at its heart. Born in 1905, Hydro has continuously evolved and now turns natural resources into a material vital for modern society. The operation spans 32,000 employees across more than 140 locations in 42 countries, addressing today’s challenges with a focus on decarbonizing production, advancing transparency, and ensuring social justice. It is a bold initiative that transitions traditional aluminium production into an environmentally friendly process… a true game changer.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts underline this revolution:
- Since 1990, emissions from Hydro’s Norwegian smelters have been cut by more than 50%, even as production increased by 40%.
- By 2030, total carbon emissions are set to drop by 30% compared to a 2018 baseline.
- Hydro’s commitment to sustainable practices includes a 1:1 rehabilitation of mined areas within two hydrological seasons after operations end.
- Empowering 500,000 people with education and skills development by 2030 is a key milestone.
- A global network of 32,000 employees working across 42 countries demonstrates the scale and reach of this green transition.
Aluminium’s Role in a Greener Future
From buildings to cars and from ships to trains, aluminium is at the heart of modern living. It is light weight, durable, and infinitely recyclable – qualities that are increasingly valued in today’s green transition. The material’s recyclability and efficiency position it as a crucial element for urbanization and sustainable growth. When natural resources are transformed responsibly, they lead to innovative products and systems. This is how aluminium is not only essential for traditional sectors but is also driving the transition towards renewable energy and enabling technologies that power the future. It sounds almost too good… and it is.
Changing the Aluminium Game
The project aims to transform how aluminium is produced. Hydro is not simply refining the material; it is rethinking every step of the value chain – from the mine to the end-product. The goal is to shift away from conventional processes that contribute two percent of global CO2e emissions, and instead focus on decarbonizing production through cutting-edge smelting technology that removes carbon emissions. In doing so, Hydro tackles the challenging balance of reducing environmental harm while continuing to supply a material that supports industries like automotive, construction, and emerging technologies. This transformative approach brings an energy and transparency rarely seen in the industry.
Transparent and Sustainable Operations
Every aspect of the operation emphasizes deep responsibility. The project is built around three core pillars: supporting a just transition for local communities, minimizing environmental impact through innovative waste management and rehabilitation of mined areas, and decarbonizing production by embracing renewable energy sources. The transparency in each step ensures that harmful practices are not part of the equation and that operations are continuously refined to be both environmentally and socially sensitive. This commitment is evident from the investments in research and the cutting-edge smelting technology that makes emission-free aluminium production a reality.
Integrating Social and Environmental Values
While the project’s industrial impact is notable, its broader contribution goes beyond the factory floor. It is an initiative where respect for human rights and community resilience is just as important as technological innovation. Education and skills development are key parts of this mission, creating an ecosystem where local communities are empowered for future challenges. At the same time, the drive for innovation extends to the restoration of biodiversity. Mining areas are not abandoned but are rehabilitated with a 1:1 approach, meaning that nature is given its due reward in the cycle of production and renewal. There is a clear focus on supporting local communities and instilling confidence that the natural world is being cared for.
Project Impact
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Empowering 500,000 individuals with education and skills development by 2030.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Switching to renewable energy sources wherever possible supports a sustainable energy future.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Pioneering emission-free smelting technology while increasing production efficiency.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Advancing low‐carbon and recycled aluminium for a greener material supply chain.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Cutting total carbon emissions by 30 percent compared to the 2018 baseline.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Ensuring a 1:1 rehabilitation of mined areas to protect and enhance biodiversity.
Embracing the Green Transition
This initiative marks a major step forward in embracing the green transition. It moves beyond the typical transformation narratives—it’s a commitment to reshaping how society interacts with nature and natural resources. The approach is not just about reducing emissions but is also about ensuring that every action contributes to a positive, transparent, and inclusive environmental future. By transforming aluminium production, Hydro is setting a new standard for industrial practices. More than just a process, it paves the way for enabling electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and technologies that drive sustainable development. The comprehensive strategy, addressing both environmental and social challenges, reflects a modern, engaged perspective on industrial evolution… and it makes a compelling case for what the future can and should look like.
