Aluminium giant plans R&D unit at QSTP

Hydro, a global supplier of aluminium and aluminium products, with activities in hydropower and solar power, is expanding its research and development presence in Qatar with a view to help push aluminium in the Middle East. The third-largest integrated aluminium supplier in the world, with a presence on every continent, Hydro, which forayed into Qatar Science & Technology Park with a 45sq m ‘novice’ office, recently signed a new contract for expanding the space to 500sq m. This is described as a huge step for Hydro’s research and development presence in Qatar, alongside the company’s strong engagement in the large Qatalum aluminium plant now being built in Mesaieed, close to Doha. “The building industry in Qatar can benefit from the competence Hydro building system possesses,” Tormod Bjork, a senior vice president in the technology organisation of the primary metal business area, has been quoted as saying by azom.com. The heat, humidity and the sun are intense in Qatar, which give opportunities for aluminium as a metal and for Hydro as producer and inventor of building systems solutions, he said while pointing out that the ‘Tornado Tower’ is a recent project where Hydro supplied its unique fa?ade systems. “Many of the great buildings being built in Doha have yet not seen the light - in the form of using modern aluminium,” Bjork observed. The Hydro official asserted that the market situation for aluminium has changed his company’s ramp-up profile at its research and development facility at QSTP. “However, we are preparing for the next steps and we are now looking into establishing lab facilities and increasing our presence here,” Bjork maintained. Hydro’s focus on the research and development front includes studying specific issues as heat stress, or expertise in handling carbon dioxide-related issues, integrated operations and outdoor coating. “Outdoor coating is a project of interest to Hydro building systems. When we get our laboratories up and running we will focus and work further on these defined topics,” Bjork added.