Modernization of Rafnes Chlorine Plant
February 04 2005 - 2:51AM
PR Newswire (US)
Modernization of Rafnes Chlorine Plant OSLO, Norway, Feb. 4
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hydro Polymers, the petrochemical sector
of Hydro, is planning a NOK 700 million (EUR 85 million) conversion
of its existing diaphragm chlorine plant at Rafnes, Norway, to
membrane technology. The German company Uhde GmbH will have
responsibility for the major part of the conversion work, which
will start immediately and should be completed during the second
half of 2006. When complete the plant will be identical to the new
chlorine production facility already under construction at Rafnes,
which will also utilize the latest generation membrane
electrolysers and is scheduled to come on stream later in 2005.
Together these two projects will increase Hydro Polymers'
production capacity significantly, doubling output to 260,000
tonnes of chlorine and 280,000 tonnes of caustic soda. Anders
Hermansson, president of Hydro Polymers, said: "This investment
will secure Hydro Polymers' position as a sustainable low cost
producer of chlorine and caustic soda and will strengthen the
Rafnes plant's strong competitive position in VCM production. The
driving force behind the conversion to best available membrane
technology is environmental legislation, but in making the
conversion there will be significant product and operating
benefits." Membrane technology is more energy efficient and will
lead to reduced CO2 emissions, cutting operating costs at the
plant. In addition, the caustic produced by the plant will be
salt-free, producing a higher quality product for customers.
Certain statements in this press release are or may constitute
"forward- looking" statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not
in the nature of historical facts may be deemed to be
forward-looking statements and may contain identifying words such
as "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects" and similar
expressions. These forward looking statements are based on Hydro's
current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about
the company and the industries in which it engages in business. All
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. For a
detailed description of factors that could cause Hydro's actual
results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by
such statements, please refer to its annual report on Form 20-F for
the year-ended December 31, 2003 and subsequent filings on Form 6-K
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. With respect to
each non- GAAP financial measure Hydro uses in connection with its
financial reporting and other public communications, Hydro provides
a presentation of what Hydro believes to be the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation between the
non-GAAP and GAAP measures. This information can be found in
Hydro's earnings press releases, quarterly reports and other
written communications, all of which have been posted to Hydro's
website (http://www.hydro.com/). Contact Kristin Brobakke Telephone
(+47) 22 53 27 44 Cellular (+47) 91 84 06 81 E-mail DATASOURCE:
Norsk Hydro CONTACT: Kristin Brobakke, +47-22-53-27-44, or Cell:
+47-91-84-06-81, or Web site: http://www.hydro.com/
Copyright