Hydro Initiates Greener Sweden Project, Transitioning to Renewable Energy in Swedish Factories

Hydro Initiates Greener Sweden Project, Transitioning to Renewable Energy in Swedish Factories

(IN BRIEF) Hydro, a company specializing in aluminium solutions, has commenced the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems at its Swedish extrusions’ factories in Vetlanda, Sjunnen, and Finspång. The project, named Greener Sweden, aims to transition these factories to 100 percent locally produced, renewable energy in the long term, ultimately achieving zero CO2 emissions. The initial phase involves rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage, with a total capacity of 4.5 MW. The project’s later phases may include wind power, hydrogen production, and fuel switching to renewable hydrogen, along with the potential for an onshore wind farm.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 18-Aug-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The work to equip Hydro’s Swedish extrusions’ factories in Vetlanda, Sjunnen and Finspång with solar panels and battery storage has started. The aim is to complete the rooftop solar panels and battery storage during the fourth quarter of 2023, and ground mounted solar panels in 2024.

The Greener Sweden project was initiated by Hydro in 2022. It is an ambitious energy project divided into several phases. In the long run, the aim is to switch to 100 percent locally produced, renewable energy in Vetlanda, Sjunnen and Finspång. The end goal is to reduce CO2 emissions from the factories to zero, contributing to more viable, local communities around our production units. The plan is to reduce total electricity consumption and at the same time produce more renewable energy in-house.

“It is amazing to see that Greener Sweden is moving from idea to action. Passively watching as global climate change becomes increasingly apparent has never been an option for Hydro. We want to lead the way in tackling climate change and continue to manufacture aluminium profiles that make a positive difference for our customers and employees. That is the core of Greener Sweden,” says Jonas Bjuhr, Managing Director at Hydro Extrusions Sweden.

Solar panels, battery storage and energy efficiency

The first phase, executed by Hydro’s renewable energy company Hydro Rein, includes roof mounted and ground mounted solar panels and battery storage systems. This will supplement Hydro’s existing local hydropower plant in Sjunnen. The technical solution involves 2.2 MWp roof mounted solar cells, approximately 1.8 MWp ground mounted solar cells and two battery storage solutions with a total capacity of 4.5 MW.

The next phase of the project will take place after 2025, and may include wind power, hydrogen production and fuel switching to hydrogen produced from renewable energy. Hydro is also interested in onshore wind power and aims to identify a suitable location for its own wind farm, ensuring sufficient renewable electricity for Hydro’s factories in Sweden.

“Hydro Extrusion Sweden is leading the way with clear action. It means a lot that they manage to set long-term goals while also taking advantage of existing potential in energy efficiency and locally produced renewable energy. It does not only have an effect on the CO2 footprint of the factories, but shows the way for the entire industry. We need a mix of all energy solutions in order to reach our climate goals,” says Marianne Wergeland Jenssen, Head of Energy Solutions, Hydro Rein.

About Hydro Extrusions
Part of the Norway based Hydro group, Hydro Extrusions is a world leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 21,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standard profiles, to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries.

About Hydro Rein
Hydro Rein is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions to industrials, fully owned by the global renewable energy and aluminium company Hydro. Hydro Rein has a diversified portfolio of 26 projects under development in core markets in the Nordics and Brazil. The company has an ambition of 3GW in construction or operation (gross) by 2026, leveraging on a unique customer offering and Hydro’s century long track record in building industries that matter.

Media Contact:

Erika Vartdal
Communication Manager, Hydro Energy
erika.vartdal@hydro.com
+47 47386110

SOURCE: Norsk Hydro ASA