Porsche announces plans to step up use of low-carbon aluminium with Hydro

Porsche is working with Norwegian aluminium manufacturer Nordsk Hydro, with whom it signed a memorandum of understanding (LOI) last year, to materialise the supply of low-carbon aluminium.

Porsche plans to use low-carbon aluminium, which has an ecological footprint of less than four kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram, extensively in the production of its sports cars. Renewable energy is used to produce Hydro's raw materials. The primary aluminium will be produced in Norway with renewable electrical energy generated by hydropower, which means that the carbon footprint - the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the entire process from mining to raw material production - is approximately 751 TP3T lower than the average for conventional primary aluminium production.

The two companies aim to reduce total emissions as well as increase secondary utilisation of post-consumer scrap from households to commercial, industrial and institutional facilities. By 2027/2028, Hydro expects to supply low-carbon aluminium with a recycled content of at least 751 TP3T. Porsche and Hydro are also testing areas where aluminium with a higher percentage of recycled material can be used.

"The collaboration with Hydro is an important milestone for Porsche towards decarbonising the entire value chain," said Barbara Frenkel, Member of the Board of Management of Porsche Procurement. "Hydro's transparent supply chain also contributes to responsible procurement practices."

"Collaborating with a sector leader like Porsche supports our goal to drive sustainability in the aluminium industry," said Eivind Kallevik, Chairman and CEO of Nordsk Hydro. "Through our long-term strategic partnership, Porsche and Hydro will drive innovative solutions and business models for the decarbonisation of the automotive industry and the virtuous circle of resources."

Meanwhile, the lightweight material aluminium is playing an increasingly important role in electric vehicles. For example, aluminium accounts for approximately 30% of the Tycan's total weight, and its entire exterior is made up of aluminium, except for the front and rear aprons.

Article roadtesting editorial (dhseo1208@gmail.com)

Photo Porsche