Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro ASA announced this week an investment in a 426-meter solar fence at its Offenburg extrusion plant in Germany.
According to the firm, the fence is the first of its kind in Germany to be built with a photovoltaic system attached to it. Once installed, Hydro expects that the fence will generate 85 MWh per year for the aluminium extrusion plant.
The fence, which will be constructed by Germany’s Next2Sun, will be constructed using Hydro REDUX low-carbon aluminium made at the Offenburg aluminium extrusion plant. Construction is expected to begin in mid-October and completed by early December. Hydro did not specify the total cost of the new fence.
Hubert Ronecker, Managing Director at the extrusion plant in Offenburg, said in a press release that this project is but one more milestone on the journey to complete sustainability at the firm.
“Every step matter on the path to zero emissions. The energy consumption at an extrusion plant is significant. The solar fence is a small contribution compared to our total energy consumption, but clearly shows that Hydro is finding new solutions where possible.”
Olivier Girardot, Head of Hydro Rein, was exited at the prospect of working toward zero carbon emissions.
“We are looking forward to contributing with our capabilities within renewable energy solutions at this innovative project in Offenburg. This partnership is a perfect example of how Hydro is joining forces across the company to succeed with lowering industrial emissions at our extrusion plants.”
Norsk Hydro, which was founded in 1905, financed by the Swedish Wallenberg family and French banks, began its life named Norsk hydro-elektrisk Kvælstofaktieselskab (literally, “Norwegian hydro-electric nitrogen limited”) by Sam Eyde. The Norwegian government owns approximately 40% of the company at the present time. Norsk Hydro is one of the largest aluminium companies in the world, with plants in Rjukan, Raufoss, Vennesla, Karmøy, Høyanger, Årdal, Sunndalsøra, and Holmestrand. Norsk also has several plants abroad.
