Fortum and Arctial plan low-carbon aluminium smelter in Finland
Arctial plans to build Europe's first new primary aluminium smelter in over 30 years. Fortum will participate in the project as an investor and energy sector expert.
Arctial Oy is planning to construct a new primary aluminium smelter in Kokkola and Kronoby, which would be the first in continental Europe in over three decades. Energy company Fortum Oyj will participate in the project as an investor and energy sector expert.
The initiative aims to increase the domestic supply of low-carbon aluminium in Europe. Aluminium is a material crucial for the green transition, but its production is energy-intensive and generates significant carbon emissions.
The planned facility would utilize AP60 smelting technology and fossil-free electricity, aiming for a carbon footprint approximately 40% lower than the European average. The smelter's annual energy demand is estimated at around 7 terawatt-hours.
Europe's reliance on imported aluminium and the material's importance for industrial competitiveness make this project strategically significant. A feasibility study is underway, with a final investment decision anticipated between 2026 and 2027.