Hydro, which owns the WICONA brand, and mining giant Rio Tinto are joining forces to implement carbon capture technologies at aluminium smelters. The companies are launching a collaboration to assess carbon capture technologies applicable to the aluminium electrolysis process. They have signed a partnership agreement that includes sharing information, research findings, and testing costs — from laboratory trials to large-scale pilot projects.
Over five years, the companies plan to invest around $45 million in this initiative. Research will be conducted at Hydro’s facilities in Norway and Rio Tinto’s sites in Europe. In addition to this collaboration, both companies will continue to implement their own independent emission reduction initiatives.
For instance, Hydro produces Hydro CIRCAL 75R, which contains at least 75% recycled aluminium scrap. WICONA uses it to manufacture aluminium profile systems for windows, doors, and façades. This aluminium is also used by Saint-Gobain Glass to reduce the carbon footprint of façades and by VELUX Group for blinds made from recycled materials.
The aluminium electrolysis process generates significant CO2 emissions, with about 75% stemming from anode consumption. Hydro and Rio Tinto have been exploring carbon capture for several years as an additional method to cut emissions.
Capturing CO2 from aluminium smelter emissions is challenging due to the low concentration of carbon dioxide (around 1%). This requires adapting direct air capture or point-source capture technologies, which are still in the early stages of development. Hydro and Rio Tinto aim to accelerate their advancement to minimise greenhouse gas emissions in the industry.
Hydro president and CEO Eivind Kallevik emphasises the company’s goal of achieving net-zero aluminium production by 2050 or earlier.
Photo: Hydro
The partnership between Hydro and Rio Tinto aims to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from smelters
Hydro continues its work on aluminium decarbonisation
ID no: 23612
Feb 20, 2025
Mar 14, 2025
