The SGL Group in Wiesbaden and the Norwegian aluminium concern Hydro in Oslo want to exploit potential in the manufacturing process of primary aluminium to save energy. The aim is to jointly develop new kinds of cathodes in this three-year project to achieve these savings’ goals. By using improved materials and a newly designed electrolytic cell, the solution is anticipated to allow a considerable reduction in the anode-cathode distance, one of the main factors in energy consumption. If successful, the new cathode technology could lead to significant energy savings in the manufacture of primary aluminium.
The project is part of a technological collaboration between the SGL Group and Hydro which began in 2012. It receives funding from the ENERGIX program of the Research Council of Norway.
“In the course of our joint development project with Hydro we will be able to continue to expand our position as cathode supplier for the aluminium industry,” said Klaus Unterharnscheidt, chairman of the business unit performance products at the SGL Group. Further: “The project demonstrates once more the high economic potential of customized solutions.”
Johannes Aalbu, head of technology development in the primary metal business area at Hydro: “Both for economic as well as ecological reasons, the reduction of energy consumption is important. New technological processes are needed to lower energy consumption even more. Together with the SGL Group we want to develop new cathode solutions which allow more energy savings.”