Superior Hydro Innovations for Future Technology (for world leading energy-efficient aluminium production and zero carbon footprint)

The SHIFT project is designed to strengthen and accelerate the development of technology for improvement of the primary aluminium process. The innovations are important contributions to realise Hydro's visions of ultra energy efficient aluminium production and carbon neutrality. The project consists of five main tasks. Task 1 (Methods development anode) addresses the need for improved data quality by developing, combining, or inventing new measurement methods, including methods for improving analysis and visualization of large data sets. Task 2 (Material properties and innovations) will be to characterize, document, and identify solutions to material problems in modern energy-efficient electrolysis cells. In Task 3 (Process measurements) the focus is on improved/new process measurements. Task 4 (Minimum PFC) shall seek improved fundamental understanding and quantification of PFC generation. Task 5 (Process and environment) will target unwanted process variations caused by HF.

Hovedmålsetting og alle delmål er oppnådde, og en rekke resultater er tatt i bruk i videre forskningsarbeide eller i drift.

The SHIFT project is designed to strengthen and accelerate the development of technology for improvement of the primary aluminium process. The innovations are important contributions to realise Hydro's visions of productive and sustainable aluminium production. Innovations will support prototyping at the Reference Centre in Årdal, Karmøy Technology Pilot and subsequent technology platforms. It is further expected to provide innovations for use in existing smelters. Modern aluminium electrolysis is high tech and developments in the aluminium industry largely takes place by continuous improvement. Such development is crucial in order to maintain competitive advantage in a high cost country like Norway and on the global arena. The project will develop innovations within five tasks: Task 1 (Methods development anode) addresses the need for improved data quality by developing, combining, or inventing new measurement methods, including methods for improving analysis and visualisation of large data sets. Task 2 (Material properties and innovations) will be to characterise, document, and identify solutions to material problems in modern energy-efficient electrolysis cells. In Task 3 (Process measurements) the focus is on improved/new process measurements. Task 4 (Minimum PFC) shall seek improved fundamental understanding and quantification of PFC generation. Task 5 (Process and environment) will target unwanted process variations caused by HF.