Qatalum is based on strong strategic fundamentals, and can draw on the support and know-how of the two partners behind the project: Qatar Petroleum of Qatar and Norsk Hydro ASA of Norway.
Qatar Petroleum provides a unique combination of long-term competitive energy resources, an industrial infrastructure and location suitable for this large project.
Hydro is a leading integrated, global aluminium company and a technology leader in the industry. Hydro also holds leading positions in markets for aluminium metal products and has a strong record in the execution of large projects.
Growing aluminium demand
Aluminium's unique properties give the metal a competitive edge in the main end-user areas of application. The recyclability and quality of the metal in a life-cycle perspective help create a strong basis for growth. Aluminium plays an increasing role in the fast- emerging economies. All of these factors enhance the prospects for increased aluminium demand. Market consensus estimates indicate an annual demand growth of 4.0 – 4.5 percent in the coming ten years.
The Qatalum site caters for a future expansion up to 1.2 million tonnes in annual capacity. This is another important strategic element in the project development. Qatalum will be able to meet future increasing demand through expansions, while at the same time utilizing investments in infrastructure made for the first step.
Qatalum's operating costs will be among the lowest in the industry, positioning it as a highly competitive global supplier.
Competitive power supply
Qatar has one of the world's largest proven reserves of natural gas, representing secure and competitive supplies for power production. Qatar is seeking to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy, also by broadening the industrial base of the country and ensuring the best environmental standards and working conditions.
The Qatalum project represents a key element in Hydro's strategy to reposition and grow its primary aluminium business. Qatalum's entire production will be marketed through Hydro's global marketing network. Hydro's 50 percent share in Qatalum will make an important contribution to improving Hydro's relative cost position in the production of primary aluminium.
The partners
Qatar Petroleum
Qatar Petroleum was previously known as the Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, established in 1974 as a national corporation wholly owned by the State of Qatar. Qatar Petroleum is responsible for all Qatar's oil and gas industry processes in Qatar and abroad. These include the following:
- Exploration and drilling for oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbon substances
- Production, refining, transport and storage of the aforementioned substances, and any of their derivatives and by-products
- Trading in, and distribution, sale and export of these substances
Norsk Hydro ASA
Hydro is a Fortune Global 500 supplier of aluminium and aluminium products. Based in Norway, the company employs 25,000 people in more than 30 countries and has activities on all continents. Rooted in a century of experience in renewable energy production, technology development and progressive partnerships, Hydro is committed to strengthening the viability of its customers and communities it serves.
