Using the latest technology supports UAE strategy for cleaner, more efficient industrial production, with GE supplying a wide range of equipment for EMAL Phase 2 expansion and signing long-term service agreements. The project supports continuing economic growth in the UAE. GE has won contracts totalling some $500 million to provide equipment and long-term services, directly and via engineering procurement contractors, for the Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) smelter complex in Abu Dhabi. The project is expected to result in lower emissions, addressing the UAE’s goal to achieve cleaner and more efficient industrial growth and enabling EMAL to produce aluminium with better fuel efficiency.
“A reliable and efficient supply of power is key to the success of our mission, as electricity accounts for a significant portion of the cost of producing aluminium,” said EMAL President and CEO Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei. “GE is successfully supporting both our Phase 1 and 2 projects with advanced power generation technology, while the new service agreements for Phase 1 offer equipment upgrades to the latest and most efficient technologies.”
GE will supply gas and steam turbines, generators and a plant-wide control system for the Phase 2 expansion project that will position EMAL as one of the largest single-site aluminium producers in the world. In addition, GE will provide its latest technology upgrades for its gas turbines currently operating Phase I of the EMAL complex. The technology upgrades will include GE’s latest DLN 2.6+ combustion technology, which is expected to lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, as well as extend the lifespan of gas turbines parts by up to three times.
GE’s new equipment contract with Samsung C&T, the Korean engineering procurement and construction company building the new combined-cycle power plant for EMAL phase 2, includes three Frame 9F 3-series gas turbine generators and two SC5 steam turbine generators. When complete, the EMAL Phase 2 power plant will have the capacity to generate more than 1,000 MW of power to support EMAL’s expanded operations.
GE’s advanced technology 9F 3-series gas turbines deliver power with high efficiency, availability, reliability and low emissions. The gas turbine is a 50-Hz member of GE’s family of F-class gas turbines, proven in more than 45 million hours of commercial service around the globe. GE’s SC5 steam turbines provide high reliability and availability in today’s demanding energy environment and use advanced technology enhancements for combined cycle applications with GE heavy-duty gas turbines.
The EMAL aluminum complex is situated in the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) in Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. EMAL, a joint venture between Mubadala Development Co. and Dubai Aluminium, serves more than 150 customers in 36 countries.
As previously announced, EMAL Phase I includes six GE Frame 9F 3-series gas turbines. Under the GE upgrade package, four of the units will receive DLN 2.6+ upgrades and six will receive compressor enhancements and cooling optimization packages. Installation of the first upgrade package is expected to begin in Q1 of 2013.
Under a separate contractual service agreement (CSA), which will replace the existing CSA for Phase 1, GE will deliver long-term maintenance support for GE gas turbines at both EMAL Phase 1 and Phase 2. This agreement will help the complex with improved performance, predictable maintenance costs and will provide access to GE’s latest technology and global experience. To date, GE has long-term agreements in place at more than 700 sites worldwide.
Through all components of the project, GE is tapping into the power of the Industrial Internet to help EMAL’s facility perform with more efficiency and predictability. By connecting data analytics, technological advancements and 130 years of power generation expertise, GE has customised a lifecycle solution that makes EMAL’s assets smarter and more adaptable to their operating environment.