Qatar's aluminium expertise to leap as Hydro joins QSTP

Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium giant, is currently building the Qatalum aluminium plant in a joint venture with Qatar Petroleum. It will be the world's largest aluminium plant ever built in one phase.

The Hydro Technology Centre at QSTP will study ways of maximising the safety and productiveness of Qatalum, through both technology development and training. Its first projects will focus on hot-climate working conditions, the environment and cross-cultural technology management.

Hydro will invest close to $7m in the centre over its first three years. It will open early this year at QSTP, and will eventually grow to 500 square meters with a staff of ten.

The Hydro Technology Centre is headed by Tormod Bjork, Hydro Aluminium Senior Vice President. He said "In a world with fast changes in economy and climate, Hydro has respond with technology and competence development in order to maintaining Hydro's position as an aluminium leader, and ensuring the success of Qatalum. Our Qatar tech centre will help us achieve the highest efficiency and output, combined with high environmental and safety standard at the plants."

He added "Being located at QSTP, the centre will be able to collaborate closely with the many universities at Qatar Foundation and Qatar University. This will provide study opportunities and ultimately create technology-based employment for local graduates."

Jan Arve Haugan, Senior Vice President Hydro Aluminium, responsible for Technology and Part Owned Operation: "Establishing a technology centre within QSTP, gives us a unique arena for interaction between experienced R&D resources, innovative and ambitious students at local universities combined with access to Qatalum. This will create a 'Fast Track' to solve important challenges within production technology, energy recovery and environment."

Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park, said "Part of building a knowledge-based economy means developing and applying the world's best operating techniques to local industry. The Hydro Technology Centre is a tremendous example of this, and will position Qatar as an innovator and not just a producer of aluminium".