What are the key conditions and timeline for Slovalco’s aluminum smelter revival in Slovakia?

Slovakia will begin switching on furnaces at Slovalco’s aluminum smelter around the turn of August and September, with output expected to start during the fourth quarter of 2026; the revival is enabled by a new state-aid scheme financed from emissions allowance revenue (not taxpayer funds), a 10-year electricity-supply agreement with state-owned Vodohospodarska Vystavba, and €100 million in company investment.

Why was the Slovalco smelter shut down in 2022, and how does the Slovak government link its closure to broader EU policy concerns?

The plant was idled in 2022 due to surging European power prices and carbon costs, which plunged the region’s aluminum industry into crisis; Prime Minister Robert Fico explicitly ties the shutdown to EU climate policies that raised costs and undercut industrial competitiveness, calling Slovalco’s case a 'textbook example of what overly ambitious climate goals are doing to the Slovak industry' and noting its prior contribution of 17% of the EU’s aluminum production and the resulting increased reliance on Chinese imports.

Slovakia to Revive Major Aluminum Smelter Slovalco

Jul 1, 2026

Slovakia plans to restart primary aluminum production at the Slovalco smelter, majority-owned by Norsk Hydro, following government support agreements. Production is expected to resume in late 2026 with €100 million investment to address energy costs and supply gaps.

bloomberg

2026-06-12

Norsk Hydro declares new force majeure on Qatar aluminium

2026-07-01

Slovakia to Revive Major Aluminum Smelter Slovalco

2026-07-22

Norsk Hydro Sees Aluminum Supply Risks as Gulf Flows Deteriorate

2026-08-10

Aluminum Extends Rally After Brazilian Plant Cuts Output to 50%

2026-10-22

Aluminium producer Norsk Hydro's quarterly core profit misses market view

Slovakia to Revive Major Aluminum Smelter Slovalco

FAQ