Alunorte, located in northern Brazil, has started operating two new electric boilers to produce steam. The new boilers are based on renewable energy and replace coal fired boilers. 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.
The electrical boilers can produce 270 tonnes of steam per hour.
The energy will come from renewable energy projects, as well as long-term power purchase contracts with the Brazilian Mendubim solar plant and the Ventos de São Zacarias wind farm.
"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.