Hydro Alunorte's aluminium oxide refinery in the Brazilian state of Pará has switched its production process from fuel oil to natural gas. The switch is part of an investment of R$1.3 billion (US$ 240 million) to reduce the refinery's carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent.
Once completed, all six boilers for steam generation and the refinery's calcination units will run on natural gas, making Alunorte an industry leader in environmental sustainability.
Significant reduction in CO2 emissions
The use of natural gas is expected to reduce the refinery's annual CO2 emissions by 700,000 tonnes. This is in line with Hydro's global climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. The upgrade will not only support the environmental targets, but will also increase the refinery's operational efficiency and safety through advanced automation and process improvements.
In July, the refinery completed the switch from heavy fuel oil to natural gas for steam generation, marking an important milestone in its decarbonisation efforts. The official start of natural gas production was celebrated with a visit from the Governor of Pará, Helder Barba.
The conversion to natural gas makes Alunorte the largest single consumer of natural gas in Brazil, explains John Thuestad, Executive Vice President of Hydro's Bauxite & Alumina business area. ‘The project underscores our commitment to transform the aluminium industry and produce alumina and aluminium with an ever-lower carbon footprint,’ Thuestad said.
The natural gas will be supplied to Alunorte via a state-of-the-art floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) and an import terminal operated by New Fortress Energy. This infrastructure is key to introducing natural gas to Pará and supporting other regional projects that will bring significant economic and environmental benefits.
About Hydro
Hydro Alunorte was founded in 1995 and is the largest alumina refinery outside China, with around 2200 employees and a nominal production capacity of 6.3 million tonnes per year. The refinery processes bauxite sourced mainly from Mineração Paragominas via a dedicated pipeline and Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) via the port of Vila do Conde. It plays a crucial role in the global aluminium oxide supply chain and supplies both the national and international aluminium markets.
