Porsche has announced it will clarify its low-carbon aluminum supply in collaboration with Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian aluminum manufacturer with which it signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) last year.
Porsche AG plans to extensively use low-carbon aluminum in sports car production, which has an ecological footprint of less than 4 kg of CO2 per 1 kg. Hydro’s raw material production utilizes renewable energy. They will manufacture primary aluminum in Norway using renewable electric energy generated by hydropower, significantly reducing the total greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75% compared to the average primary aluminum production.
The two companies aim not only to reduce total emissions but also to increase the secondary utilization of scrap waste generated from homes, businesses, industries, and institutions. Hydro expects to supply low-carbon aluminum with a recycling rate of at least 75% by 2027/2028. Porsche and Hydro are also testing areas where they can use aluminum with a higher proportion of recycled materials.
Barbara Frenkel, a member of the Executive Board of Procurement at Porsche AG, stated, “Collaboration with Hydro represents an important milestone for Porsche in the decarbonization of the entire value chain, and Hydro’s transparent supply chain contributes to responsible sourcing practices.”
Eivind Kallevik, President and CEO of Norsk Hydro, said, “Collaboration with leading companies like Porsche supports our goal of pursuing sustainability in the aluminum industry. Porsche and Hydro plan to drive innovative solutions and business models for the decarbonization of the automotive industry and resource circularity through a long-term strategic partnership.”
Meanwhile, lightweight aluminum is playing an increasingly vital role in electric vehicles. For instance, aluminum accounts for approximately 30% of the total weight of the Taycan, with the entire exterior of the vehicle, excluding the front and rear aprons, made from aluminum.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr