Alunorte reduces CO2 emissions

Hydro Alunorte has invested in implementing electric boilers for steam production at the alumina refinery. This will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 550,000 tonnes per year.

Alunorte is the world's largest single plant alumina refinery located in northern Brazil and has started operating two new electric boilers to produce steam. The new boilers are based on renewable energy and replace coal fired boilers. According to Hydro, these come in addition to one electric boiler installed in 2022. The conversion from coal to renewable electricity will reduce up to 550,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, an investment of NOK 580 million. This reinforces Alunorte's position as one of the lowest emission plants in the alumina industry.
The electrical boilers can produce 270 tonnes of steam per hour. The energy will come from renewable energy projects, and Alunorte has signed long-term power purchase contracts with the Brazilian Mendubim solar plant and the Ventos de São Zacarias wind farm. The electrical boilers are part of the refinery's plan to reduce up to 70 percent of carbon emissions in its operation by 2030, in line with Hydro's global commitment to decarbonization.
"This is an important milestone for our operation. Alunorte is already among the most energy efficient refineries and this project is moving us even further in our decarbonization efforts," says Carlos Neves, Vice President of Operations at Hydro Bauxite & Alumina. Alunorte has already changed the refinery's energy matrix from oil to natural gas. This project was completed in the end of 2024. Combining the natural gas and electric boiler projects, it is estimated that there will be a 35 percent reduction in the refinery's CO2 emissions compared to the 2017 emissions benchmark, says Hydro.
Source: Hydro