News

Primary insiders purchase shares under Long Term Incentive program

Following approval by Norsk Hydro ASA's Annual General Meeting in 2010, the Board of Directors established a Long Term Incentive (LTI) in the form of a remuneration of 30 percent and 25 percent of annual base salary for the President and CEO and the other members of the Corporate Management Board.

Magical meeting with young environmental heroes

The winners of the environmental competition Tea Light Hunt were greeted on Friday by local school musicians, three managers on a field trip and a magician who turned tea lights into frying pans, when they visited Hydro's recycling facility in Holmestrand. It was a magical experience for young and old.

Meeting customer diversity atop Hydro's HVACR agenda

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has on May 9, 2012 purchased 4,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.80.

Annual General Meeting approves dividend of NOK 0.75 per share

The Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA today adopted all the items as proposed on the agenda, including the proposal to distribute a dividend of NOK 0.75 per share.

Sale of shares to employees

Norsk Hydro ASA`s employees have purchased shares under a general arrangement offered to the employees of Norsk Hydro ASA each year.

First quarter 2012: Lower aluminium prices, strong Energy result

Hydro's underlying earnings before financial items and tax amounted to NOK 557 million in the first quarter, down from NOK 1,133 million in the previous quarter. Lower realized aluminium prices and continued weak markets, in particular for European extrusion operations, weighed down underlying results. Hydro's Energy business posted solid results along with power production at record levels.

Crash testing for safer and lighter cars

Hydro, carmakers and leading scientists are cooperating in finding new, safer and light weight solutions for the cars of tomorrow. In Trondheim, Norway, new profiles are put to the ultimate test. View a video of what happens to an aluminium profile when hit with 1,500 kg at 30 km/h!

'We will challenge the world’s waste of energy'

At a conference in Trondheim, Norway, Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg challenged the traditional thinking that aluminium production is negative for the environment.

Researchers receive first “Hydro Green Aluminium Award”

Two leading researchers at SINTEF and NTNU were given the inaugural “Hydro Green Aluminium Award” for their groundbreaking work in energy-efficiency in the heating of aluminium billet in the production of profiles in extrusion plants.

Winners named in Tea Light Hunt

Three pupils from Søroya in Finnmark, Norway have been named national champions in the environmental campaign Tea Light Hunt. Over the last six months, schoolchildren across the country have competed to see who could collect the most used aluminium tea lights for recycling.

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2012

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA will be held at the company's head office at Vækerø, Drammensveien 260, 0283 Oslo, on Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 4 p.m.

Hydro's Matt Aboud elected to Aluminum Association’s Board of Directors

Matt Aboud, vice president and managing director of Hydro's Metal Markets business in the U.S., will join the Board of Directors of the Aluminum Association, an organization that works globally to promote aluminium as a sustainable and recyclable material.

100 years ago the "Titanic" shipwreck gave Sam Eyde a bright idea

Like so many others, Hydro's first President Sam Eyde wanted to be on the maiden voyage of the passenger ship "Titanic" in April 1912. Eyde had a ticket, but he was delayed in Paris. Only a few days after the sinking of the "Titanic", Eyde presented a concrete plan for monitoring dangerous icebergs in the North Atlantic.

Meet us at METEF

Hydro is making its mark at the Metef aluminium trade fair at the Veronafiere exhibition center in Verona, Italy, April 18-21.

Finish line for Tea Light Hunt: Aluminium recycling a hit with kids

Schoolchildren throughout Norway have delivered 11 million used aluminium tea light cups in a nationwide recycling campaign.

Aluminium in HVAC at Milan trade show

Hydro will be at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2012 in Milan March 27-30 to show manufacturers how to replace copper with aluminium in their industrial heat exchange applications. Visit Hydro's Precision Tubing website with the link in the right-hand column for more.

Hydro’s annual reporting for 2011

“Short-term challenges – long-term opportunities” is an important message in Hydro’s annual reporting for 2011, released today.

Hydro provides aluminium support structures for largest CPV solar plant in Latin America

A precision-extruded aluminium framing system manufactured by Hydro has been installed at a 500-kilowatt electric generation facility in Durango, Mexico, the largest concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar facility in Latin America.

Fire in Qatalum seawater cooling tower

A fire occured in Qatalum seawater cooling tower on March 17. No one was injured during the incident and aluminium production has not been affected.

On to Milan to continue copper-substitution work

CAP alumina project postponed

Companhia de Alumina do Para’s (CAP) Board of Directors has decided to postpone the construction of a new alumina refinery in Barcarena, Brazil.

Undeli: Challenging year ahead for bauxite and alumina

"In the short term, the bauxite and alumina industry has a challenge. We are suffering from low profitability, Johnny Undeli, head of Bauxite & Alumina told a gathering at the Metal Bulletin Bauxite and Alumina Conference in Miami last week.

Hydro's Schneider next TMS chief

Wolfgang Schneider, a leading research & development executive in Hydro, will become the 56th president of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society at the TMS 2012 Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, March 11-15.

Hydro's Brandtzæg inspired by future architects

"It is incredibly inspiring to see so many talented architecture students working to solve one of the major climate change challenges: energy waste in buildings. You are the architects of the future," said Hydro CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg on Thursday when he met the architecture students at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO).

Architecture students to create energy-positive building façades

On Monday a four-day workshop was kicked off for architecture students at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO). Students will create physical models that show how the façade can contribute to creating buildings that produce more energy than they consume.

E-car in Paris with aluminium sheet from Hydro

Aluminium sheet from Hydro is making electric vehicles lighter. The proof is in France, where electric "Bluecars" are spinning through the boulevards of Paris.

Fourth quarter 2011: Lower sales and prices, solid production performance

Hydro's underlying earnings before financial items and tax amounted to NOK 1,133 million in the fourth quarter, down from NOK 1,646 million in the previous quarter. Lower aluminium prices, seasonal decline in demand and weaker markets weighed down underlying results for the quarter.

Hydro Alunorte employee dies following accident

Zacarias Monteiro de Araújo Neto died on February 13. The 26-year-old Alunorte employee had been hospitalized in São Paulo following an accident on the job. He had a partner and a young daughter.

Energy-efficient buildings on tap for Norwegian Minister visiting India

Energy-efficient buildings were on the agenda when the Norwegian Minister of Government, Administration, Reform and Church Affairs, Rigmor Aasrud, visited Hydro’s headquarters in Bangalore, India, on Wednesday.

Aluminium HVAC agreement with Turkish Konveyör

Hydro's aluminium tubing plant in Denmark and the Turkish company Konveyör have signed a cooperation agreement designed to support customers and make easier their replacement of copper tubing with aluminium in heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

Hydro's fourth quarter results affected by impairments

Norsk Hydro ASA will write down the value of certain fixed assets by approximately NOK 1.3 billion, affecting its fourth-quarter 2011 results. The impairments are a result of a weakening in certain markets and low prices, in combination with raw material and currency pressures. Hydro continues to implement significant corrective measures to address the challenges in the affected businesses.

Hydro featured in auto campaign

Employees from Hydro's extrusion operations in the U.S. are helping profile the use of aluminium in automobiles. This first segment in the "Jobs From Autos" campaign by the Auto Alliance features Matthew Holbrook, a production manager in Hydro's plant in St. Augustine, Florida.

Tea Light Hunt a great success in Norway

The environmental campaign Tea Light Hunt is a big hit. Over 23,000 school children from all over Norway have collected more than four million used tea light cups for recycling – and they are not finished yet! Tea Light Hunt hopes to raise awareness about the recycling of aluminium.

Hydro Green Aluminium Award

Students, researchers and others can compete for a $35,000 prize in the Hydro Green Metal Award for improving the climate footprint of aluminium production.

Hydro curtails production in Kurri Kurri, Australia

Norsk Hydro ASA has decided to curtail one of three production lines at its Kurri Kurri aluminium plant in Australia. The decision follows a consultation process with the local employees.

Corporate European Works Council agreement signed

Hydro has signed a new corporate agreement with the main unions regarding the European Works Council (EWC).

Hydro is considering to curtail production in Kurri Kurri, Australia

Norsk Hydro ASA is considering curtailing production at its Kurri Kurri aluminium plant in Australia. A consultation process has started with the local employees.

Hydro divests non-strategic stake in Ascent Solar

Norsk Hydro ASA has agreed to divest its non-strategic 20.5% stake in the US solar company Ascent Solar to TFG Radiant Investment Group Ltd for a cash consideration of USD 4 million (NOK 24 million).

Technal wins Batimat Design Award

Hydro’s building systems brand Technal has won a prestigious international award for innovation and design for its latest façade concept.

Season’s greetings to Save the Children

Hydro is making a special Christmastime contribution of NOK 500,000 to Save the Children.

Social programs a success in Brazil

Members of the Quilombolas communities near Hydro’s operations in Brazil appreciate the company’s social programs that benefit local society.

Nobel Concert a world of music

The Nobel Peace Prize Concert, with Hydro as a sponsor, will bring a wide variety of music to the stage in Oslo on Sunday, December 11.

Capital Markets Day 2011: Performance frontrunner

With substantial long positions within bauxite and alumina in a resource-constrained world, ambitious cost improvement programs in place throughout the value chain and the highly competitive Qatalum smelter in full operation, Hydro is now positioned as a performance frontrunner within the aluminium industry.

Highlighting the metal of the future at Qatar Aluminium Symposium

"Producing aluminium is technologically advanced. We therefore need good cooperation with universities like the Qatar University to educate the engineers of tomorrow producing the metal of the future, said Odd Ivar Biller, senior vice president in Hydro and Qatalum board member, at the Qatar Aluminium Symposium on November 24.

Executive Vice President purchases shares

Executive Vice President Arvid Moss has on November 24, 2011 purchased 4,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.93. Arvid Moss's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 77,457.

Closely related party to Executive Vice President purchases shares

A closely related party to Executive Vice President Johnny Undeli has on November 23, 2011 purchased 1000 shares in Hydro at NOK 24.50 Johnny Undeli's new holding, including closely related parties, is 13,132.

Old office buildings can be energy-positive

The Powerhouse alliance is planning to renovate two office buildings near Oslo to be energy-positive. If the project is realized, the buildings will be the northernmost energy-positive retrofitted buildings.

Powerhouse online

The alliance developing energy-efficient building solutions, Powerhouse, has launched a new website and logo on powerhouse.no.

Greenwashing: a potential credibility problem for aluminium

"A producer promoting recycled content above 90 percent is 'greenwashing' its metal," Hydro's Roland Scharf-Bergmann warned in a speech at a Metal Bulletin conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday.

Energy unit in Hydro wins innovation award

The Portfolio unit in Hydro's Energy business area has won the Powel Innovation Award, recognizing Hydro's value-capturing ability within the fast-changing power markets in the Nordics and mainland Europe.

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has on November 1, 2011 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 27.50. Svein Richard Brandtzæg's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 62,847.

Alouette signs energy Memorandum of Understanding

The Canadian aluminium smelter Alouette, 20 percent owned by Hydro, and the Québec government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire energy for a potential expansion project.

Hydro executive elected President of Eurometaux

Oliver Bell, head of Hydro’s Rolled Products business, is the new President of Eurometaux. Based in Brussels, the association represents the interests of the European non-ferrous metals industry.

Third quarter 2011: Improved production performance, higher raw material costs

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax (EBIT) of NOK 1,646 million in the third quarter, down from NOK 1,906 million in the second quarter. The quarter was marked by higher production performance in Bauxite & Alumina, while seasonal declines and higher raw material costs had a negative impact on underlying results. Energy posted record third-quarter results.

German safety award to Building Systems

Hydro’s building systems brand Wicona received the German Occupational Safety and Health Award 2011 for the storage and logistics site in Gerstungen.

Fatal accident at the Albras JV in Brazil

A local contractor at Hydro’s majority-owned Albras smelter in Brazil died on Saturday from injuries sustained when hit by a forklift last week.

Qatar Norwegian School celebrates its 40 years

On October 6, 1971, a chartered plane from Norway landed in Doha, Qatar, with 21 adults and 26 children. The Qatar Norwegian School, established by Hydro, opened its doors six days later. The school is now celebrating 40 years of educating Norwegian kids living in Qatar.

Hydro awarded "French-Norwegian Trophy"

At the French-Norwegian Day in Oslo on Thursday, Hydro was given an award for the company's efforts in developing trade between France and Norway. When choosing the winner, the jury put special emphasis on Hydro's efforts in technological innovation.

Revamp of Holmestrand aluminium rolling mill

Hydro will revamp the hot mill at its rolled products plant in Holmestrand, Norway, with an investment of NOK 55 million (about EUR 6 million).

Hydro’s financial calendar 2011/2012

Hydro has updated its financial calendar for 2011 and 2012.

New head of Investor Relations in Hydro

Rikard Lindqvist has been appointed head of Investor Relations in Hydro and will be responsible for Hydro's contact with investors and financial markets in Norway and abroad.

Powerhouse wants to add expertise to energy-positive building project

The Powerhouse alliance, which includes Hydro, is looking for companies with expertise to participate in the development of Norway's first energy-positive commercial building. The building will be located at Brattørkaia in Trondheim.

Technical seminar on aluminium connecting lines draws attention at Febrava 2011

Nearly 500 technicians and industry visitors left the Febrava exhibition in São Paulo with important theoretical information about aluminium and aluminium connecting lines in the installation of split-unit systems. Hydro hosted the technical seminars.

Hydro bringing more aluminium to the Americas

Hydro will expand the scope of its sales of aluminium in the Americas, now that the Qatalum aluminium operation in Qatar is in full production.

Qatalum at full production

The Qatalum aluminium plant in Qatar has achieved full production capacity. The new and modern smelter, a 50/50 joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is serving global customers through its state-of-the-art products casthouse.

Hydro divests its stake in Alpart alumina refinery in Jamaica

Norsk Hydro ASA has today entered into an agreement to divest its 35 percent interest in the Jamaican bauxite and alumina partnership Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) to UC Rusal for a cash consideration of NOK 250 million (USD 46 million).

Family, fun focus on safety

Kids put safety in the spotlight at a recent “Safety and Fun Day” at Hydro’s aluminium extrusion plant in Birtley in the U.K. This is one example of how Hydro builds good community relations where the company operates around the world.

25 years ago: An aluminium giant is born

A very successful merger. This is how most people would characterize the new company – Hydro Aluminium – born in Norway 25 years ago, on September 1, after the merger with ÅSV. It was the day that brought to life a Norwegian aluminium giant with a strong base in the European market.

Lucky day! Hydro breaking ground in China

Hydro is breaking ground in Suzhou to help satisfy the growing local demand of high-value extruded aluminium products and solutions. Its expansion is proceeding as expected, and a pinch of Chinese luck is part of the plan.

Hydro walks for Oxfam fundraiser

Executive Vice President purchases shares

Executive Vice President Wenche Agerup has on August 23, 2011 purchased 10,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.23. Wenche Agerup's new shareholding in Hydro, including closely related parties, is 20,637.

Executive vice president and CFO purchases shares

Executive Vice President and CFO Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup on August 19 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.00 per share.

Hydro to install new environmental technology in Årdal

Hydro's technology center in Årdal, Norway, is installing a unit to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas from aluminium production. The unit will reduce annual emissions of SO2 from the technology center by 200 metric tons. It is the first industrial application of this technology.

Closely related party to board member purchases shares

A closely related party to Bente Rathe, Deputy Chairperson of Hydro’s Board of Directors, has on August 11, 2011 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 31.42 per share. Bente Rathe's new shareholding, including closely related parties, is 29,000.

President and CEO purchases shares

President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has on August 11 purchased 5,000 shares in Hydro at NOK 31.00 per share.

Norway Cup: Going home like champions

The boys' team from Alunorte Rain Forest made it all the way to the A finale in the Norway Cup. After losing the match on a penalty shoot-out, the team still had a lot to celebrate.

Closely related party to Executive Vice President purchases shares

A closely related party to Executive Vice President Johnny Undeli has on August 9, 2011 purchased 500 shares in Hydro at NOK 30.00 Jonny Undeli's new holding, including closely related parties, is 12,132.

Norway Cup: Alunorte team from Brazil aims high

The Alunorte Rain Forest soccer team from Brazil has a lot to celebrate while participating in the Norway Cup youth tournament in Oslo July 31-August 6.

Second quarter 2011: Results rise on higher volumes and prices

Hydro had underlying earnings before financial items and tax of NOK 1,906 million in the second quarter, up from NOK 1,448 million in the first quarter. Higher realized alumina and aluminum prices combined with higher volumes supported underlying results for the quarter.

Hydro sells non-strategic stake in Norwegian power producer

Norsk Hydro ASA has on July 25, 2011, entered into an agreement to divest its 20.86% non-strategic ownership stake in northern Norwegian power production company SKS Produksjon AS to Salten Kraftsamband AS for a cash consideration of NOK 1 billion for the shares.

Hydro investing in extrusion press in Brazil

Hydro is investing to add another extrusion press at its aluminium extrusion plant in Brazil. The extension will further strengthen the company's position and boost its ability to meet local demand and broaden its product range in a market that is increasing its consumption of high-value aluminium products.

Hydro’s partnership makes life better in Paragominas

A medical clinic and an educational center established with support from Hydro were recently inaugurated in Paragominas, Brazil.

Indian building keeps humming, even during power outages

Building-integrated solar cells help the employees at Hydro Building Systems’ new energy-efficient headquarters in Bangalore, India, work uninterrupted – even during power outages.

Commissioning of power plant further delays Qatalum ramp-up

Qatalum, the 50/50 joint venture aluminium plant between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro, is experiencing further delays in reaching full production due to challenges with the commissioning of the power plant’s steam turbines. Qatalum, currently producing at 70 percent capacity, is now expected to reach full production by the end of third quarter 2011.

All-aluminium MPE absorber wins at Intersolar

Hydro was one of the three winners of Intersolar's Innovation Award 2011 for its work on Savo-Solar's all-aluminium MPE absorber.

Hydro at GIFA: Global puzzle, local fit

Hydro will attend GIFA 2011, the foremost international trade fair of the shape-casting industry in Düsseldorf from June 28 to July 2, as a major supplier of primary aluminium foundry alloys.

Norway’s first energy-positive building coming to Trondheim

The Powerhouse alliance, consisting of developers Entra Eiendom, construction group Skanska, architects Snøhetta, environmental group ZERO and aluminium company Hydro will build Norway’s first – and the world’s northern-most – energy-positive commercial building, in Trondheim.

Hydro states aluminium case at Intersolar Europe

Hydro serves customers in each of the three main segments in the solar market – solar thermal, concentrated solar power, photovoltaic – for all areas of solar energy production. The company will display many of these aluminium applications at Intersolar Europe, the solar industry's largest exhibition.

Hydro wishes Amnesty happy 50th anniversary

Hydro has been a long-term supporter of the human rights organization Amnesty International Norway, and President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg joined many others in a celebratory video on the group’s 50th anniversary.

Bellenberg results prove energy-positive buildings possible

Measurements of the energy performance at Hydro’s aluminium building systems test center in Bellenberg, Germany, show that the building is generating 80 percent more electricity over the course of a year than it needs for its own consumption.

Metal Packaging Europe launched at Interpack

The head of Hydro's Rolled Products business area, Oliver Bell, has been appointed board member of Metal Packaging Europe, a new pan-European trade body which represents the united interests of producers and suppliers of rigid metal packaging.

Hydro participates in Industries Fair in Brazil

A stand presenting Hydro's operations in Brazil and around the world underlined the company's participation in the 10th Industries Fair of the State of Pará (FIPA) in Belem from May 18-21.

New member of Hydro’s board

Ove Ellefsen (55) has been elected member of Norsk Hydro ASA`s Board of Directors. Ellefsen, Project Supervisor in Hydro, replaces Jørn B. Lilleby as one of the Board`s three employee representatives.

Primary insiders purchase shares under Long Term Incentive program

Following approval by Norsk Hydro ASA’s Annual General Meeting in 2010, the Board of Directors established a Long Term Incentive (LTI) in the form of a remuneration of 30 percent and 25 percent of annual base salary for the President and CEO and the other members of the Corporate Management Board, respectively, in 2010.

Hydro joins prestigious industry group ICMM

Hydro has been accepted as a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), a global industry organization that is committed to sustainable business practices.

Høyanger plant wins prestigious “Competence Award”

Hydro's primary metal plant in Høyanger, Norway, has been honored with a “Competence Award 2011” from HR Norge, Norway’s member organization for HR and management personnel.

Issue of commercial paper

Norsk Hydro ASA has on May 9, 2011, issued a NOK 1,000 million commercial paper with maturity August 15, 2011, coupon 2.66% p.a. Arranger is DnB NOR Bank ASA, DnB NOR Markets.

Annual General Meeting approves dividend of NOK 0.75 per share

The Annual General Meeting of Norsk Hydro ASA today adopted all the items as proposed on the agenda, including the proposal to distribute a dividend of NOK 0.75 per share.