Norsk Hydro: Alunorte reduces alumina production on natural gas supply disruptions
Rhea-AI Summary
Norsk Hydro (OTCQX:NHYDY) reports that its Alunorte alumina refinery has reduced production to 50% after its gas supplier CELBA, part of New Fortress Group, notified disruptions in natural gas availability. Alunorte is buying spot gas, seeking direct LNG terminal access, and preserving rights under its Gas Supply Agreement while it works to secure long-term alternative gas supplies. The company estimates a potential Q3 2026 financial impact on the Bauxite & Alumina segment of USD 75–100 million from reduced production and higher gas costs.
Positive
- Contingency actions: spot gas purchases and LNG terminal access request
- Alunorte targeting ramp-up to full production once gas normalizes
- Pursuit of long-term alternative gas supplies to reduce dependency
Negative
- Alunorte alumina output cut to 50% due to gas disruption
- Estimated Q3 2026 Bauxite & Alumina impact of USD 75–100 million
- Higher input costs from purchasing gas above contract price
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Alunorte has been informed of disruptions to natural gas availability by its supplier, CELBA, part of the New Fortress Group. CELBA also owns the gas terminal infrastructure in Barcarena, Pará. Alunorte has consequently reduced alumina production to 50 percent.
In response to the notification from the supplier of disruptions to the natural gas availability affecting Alunorte, the refinery has implemented contingency measures to mitigate operational impacts. Measures include purchasing spot gas volumes, requesting direct access to the Barcarena LNG receiving and regasification terminal, and temporarily reducing alumina production to 50 percent to align with the gas availability, as notified by CELBA.
Alunorte will begin ramping up to full production as soon as gas availability normalizes.
The supplier has indicated they are seeking to source gas to be delivered to Alunorte on market terms compatible with its current financial situation. Alunorte will in parallel continue its efforts to secure long-term, alternative gas supplies while preserving its rights under the Gas Supply Agreement.
The financial impact of the gas supply disruptions remains uncertain. Potential Q3 2026 financial impact for Bauxite & Alumina from the reduced production and purchasing gas at prices above the contract price may be USD 75 to 100 million
Investor contact:
Baard Erik Haugen
+47 92497191
Erik.Haugen@hydro.com
Valentina Gandolfi
+47 95882355
Valentina.Gandolfi@hydro.com
Media contact:
Halvor Molland
+47 92979797
Halvor.Molland@hydro.com
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act