Hydro to Restart Aluminum Smelter Capacity by February 2027
The company plans to restore 75,000 metric tons of primary aluminum production annually at its Slovalco facility.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Hydro intends to bring 75,000 metric tons of annual primary aluminum capacity back online at the Slovalco smelter in Slovakia by February 2027. This decision follows over three years of shutdown for the site and relies on finalizing specific power agreements.
Why it matters
The restart reflects a broader trend of production growth in the European aluminum sector, which saw three consecutive quarters of expansion in 2026. Securing this output marks a significant step in restoring regional manufacturing capabilities.
The Slovalco restart involves 75,000 mt of annual capacity, with an additional 100,000 mt contingent on conditions after 2030. Separately, a partnership at the Boguchany smelter in Siberia represents a potential 150,000 mt addition.
The players
Hydro
A global aluminum and energy company that is managing the restoration of production at its idled smelting assets.
Slovalco
An aluminum smelter located in Slovakia that has remained in a state of shutdown for more than three years.
Sual Partners
An investment firm identifying partnership opportunities to expand aluminum production capacity in Russia.
RusHydro
A major Russian energy company collaborating on potential aluminum production projects in Siberia.
The details
Hydro is actively coordinating the reactivation of the idled Slovakian facility while simultaneously exploring long-term development opportunities in Siberia. The company continues to monitor market conditions as it prepares the infrastructure for the 2027 target.
Timeline
Q3 2026: Hydro provided an update on the Slovalco restart plan.
February 2027: The target date for restarting 75,000 mt of primary aluminum capacity.
After 2030: Potential window for the restart of the remaining 100,000 mt of annual capacity.
Market Landscape
This restart follows the 2026 European primary aluminum production growth trend, confirming that regional manufacturing is trending upward. By bringing idled capacity back online, Hydro strengthens its market position relative to international competitors.
The increase in primary aluminum output is expected to stabilize supply chains for downstream manufacturers who rely on steady raw material access. Consumers may eventually see more consistent pricing as regional production volumes return to pre-shutdown levels.
The takeaway
Industrial firms often pace their capacity restarts to match regional energy price trends and long-term utility contracts. Stakeholders should monitor energy policy developments in Slovakia as a leading indicator for the viability of such large-scale production projects.
Further reading
Learn more about industrial shifts in the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Metal.
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