The investment involves replacement of the 22 kV switchgear to the plant to ensure continued security of power supply and upgrade part of the anode rodding line, including an automatic transportation system that will eliminate traffic and improve safety. The project will start in fourth quarter of 2022 and is expected to be completed by end of 2024.

“We are investing in the future of Hydro Karmøy, demonstrating our commitment to producing low-carbon, hydropower-based aluminium for the European market. The investment will modernize the plant and secure a robust power supply for the decades to come, as well as improve the safety at the plant,” says Ola Sæter, Head of Primary Production in Hydro.

Hydro Karmøy produces 270,000 tonnes of primary aluminium every year. The plant is world leading in energy efficiency and potline operation. Hydro Karmøy has two production lines for primary aluminium, AP18 and Hydro’s technology pilot. The new investment will be a modernization of the AP18 potline.

"This investment will the Karmøy plant more robust, and further improve the competitiveness of Hydro Karmøy and,” says Sæter.

Both internal Hydro resources and external suppliers will contribute to the project, expected to be completed in 2024. The investment is conditional on a final build decision, expected in autumn 2022.