Norsk Hydro Qatalum Aluminium Production Reduced to 60% Capacity After Gas Supply Cut

Norsk Hydro confirmed adjustments to Norsk Hydro Qatalum aluminium production after ongoing gas supply limitations affected operations at the Qatalum smelter in Qatar. The company announced a controlled shutdown phase following confirmation from its gas supplier that reduced supply levels would continue. As a result, production curtailment will stop at the current level, with the aluminium facility continuing to operate at roughly 60% of its total capacity while the partners assess conditions for a possible restart.

Production Adjustment at the Qatalum Aluminium Smelter

The Qatalum aluminium facility, jointly owned by Norsk Hydro and Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Company Q.P.S.C. (QAMCO), has adjusted operations to stabilize production during the energy supply constraints. Maintaining production at approximately 60% capacity allows the plant to preserve operational continuity while preventing further curtailments. This controlled operating level is intended to maintain technical readiness so the facility can scale output again once natural gas supply conditions improve.

Plant Capacity and Operational Structure

Qatalum operates as a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro and QAMCO and represents one of the major aluminium production facilities in the region. The plant has a primary aluminium production capacity of 648,000 metric tonnes annually and a casthouse capacity of 687,000 metric tonnes. While the facility continues operating at a reduced level, both partners have indicated that the timing for restoring full output remains uncertain as it depends on future energy supply availability and operational planning.