Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium producer, has unveiled plans to invest 180 million euros ($195.39 million) in constructing a new aluminium recycling facility in Spain. This plant is set to produce 120,000 metric tons of low-carbon aluminium annually, aligning with Europe’s ambitions for an energy transition.
The initiative comes in response to the European Union’s designation of aluminium as a critical raw material, acknowledging its significance in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance driving range through weight reduction.
Given the high carbon footprint associated with primary aluminium production—especially notable in regions reliant on coal for electricity—the Torija facility in northeastern Spain represents a significant stride towards sustainability. Expected to be operational by 2026, this plant will significantly reduce carbon emissions to four tons per metric ton of aluminium produced.
Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President at Hydro, emphasized the growing consumer demand for low carbon materials and the increasing scrutiny of production methods’ environmental impact. “It’s an important shift from five years ago. Companies are now more interested in the embedded carbon footprint of the cars they produce,” Kallevik explained.
The Torija project, Hydro’s second venture in Spain, underscores the company’s commitment to recycling, which demands 95% less energy compared to producing primary aluminium. By recycling up to 70,000 tonnes of scrap aluminium collected across Europe, Hydro aims to supply the EV, renewable energy, and construction sectors with sustainable metal solutions.
This announcement follows the inauguration of Hydro’s Cassopolis plant in the United States, which also focuses on recycled aluminium production. 
