Global technology company ABB has joined project management organisation Arctial as an investor and will become a member of a partnership of companies set to carry out in-depth feasibility studies for the Greentop low-carbon aluminium smelter project in Finland.

This development is poised to be critical to Europe’s materials supply chain and though 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.

The facility 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 renewable-energy infrastructure and relies on local and global industry partners.

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 design, an early works package description, a budget and timeline, and safety risk assessment. The objective will be to achieve an operation that is energy and resource efficient, reliable and safe.

Arctial CEO Torbjörn Sternsjö states that working in partnership across industrial supply chains is a critical part of the company’s strategy.

“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,” explains Sternsjö.

ABB process industries division president Joachim Braun adds that as a partner with early involvement in Arctial’s low-carbon aluminium project, ABB intends to bring not only investment but also its generations of expertise.

Braun adds that ABB has 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,” he states.

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