ABB joins Arctial's low-carbon aluminium smelter project for Europe

This development is poised to be critical to Europe’s materials supply chain. Investment details were not disclosed. The deal was signed in the first quarter of 2025.

Arctial has committed to explore the business case for a manufacturing facility in the Kokkola and Kronoby regions on the west coast of Finland, evaluating commercial, environmental, social and technical factors. It would represent the first primary aluminium development in continental Europe for over 30 years, bolstering supplies at a time of high global demand from industries including automotive, electronics, packaging, aerospace and construction. The project team anticipates the use of low-carbon energy from existing and new renewables infrastructure and relies on local and global industry partners.

As a global technology leader, ABB will be responsible for assessing the feasibility of an electrification and automation scope, including the use of high power rectifiers, high voltage switchgear, transformers and substations. A team will work within the partnership to develop front end engineering and design (FEED), an early works package description, budget and timeline, and safety risk assessment. The objective will be to achieve an operation that is energy and resource efficient, reliable and safe.

"Working in partnership across industrial supply chains is a critical part of our strategy," said Torbjörn Sternsjö, CEO of Arctial. "Our commitments through collaboration bring invaluable strategic insights, increased knowledge and additional networks. We’re looking forward to the results of what we will achieve together with our investment partners.

"As a partner with early involvement in Arctial’s low-carbon aluminium project we intend to bring not only investment but also our generations of expertise,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB Process Industries. “We have gained insight into the impacts this project can have across the European supply chain for industries and everyday consumers. We believe that our technological influence can help this development become reality."

Arctial anticipates making a final investment decision (FID) regarding a production facility during 2026−2027. This decision will follow a comprehensive evaluation process, with the feasibility study serving as a crucial initial step.

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