Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Aluminium (Emal) said its new power complex will have a record production capacity of 3,000MW when it gets fully operational in mid-2014.

One of the largest single site smelters in the world, Emal said the power plant will allow the company to be totally self-sufficient in power and not dependent on external sources.

The UAE aluminium giant celebrated the arrival of the first power plant unit for the phase II expansion of its flagship industrial project.

Once completed the capacity will increase by 1,000MW thus making it one of the biggest single site power stations in the Gulf region.

The power plant upgrade will comprise three gas and two steam turbines. The units will be equipped with an enhanced combustion system which will increase efficiency at the smelter, one of the key factors in maintaining Emal’s reputation for supplying quality products at value cost.

The combined cycle power plant is cooled using two new cooling towers, similar to Phase I, but improved  to further reduce salt dispersion.

This is one of Emal’s major contracts for Phase II expansion and the company is working together closely with its contractors and third parties.

The next two turbines are due to be delivered in September 2012 and the new power complex is expected to be fully operational by June 2014.

Speaking on the achievement, Emal president and CEO, Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, said this latest construction milestone significantly progresses Emal’s phase II expansion plans.

"In keeping with Emal's core value of constant improvement, the new unit utilises the latest technological advances since phase I to improve efficiency and mitigate environmental impact," he stated.

"It is vital that we continue to upgrade our facilities with the latest technology as it improves efficiency and maintains our competitiveness in the global aluminium market," he added.

Emal VP, Projects Yousuf Bastaki said, “By partnering with contractors and third parties who share our core values for excellence in every aspect of this landmark industrial diversification initiative, Emal will continue to establish itself as a major new global player in aluminium production for the benefit of the Emirates in line with the leadership’s 2030 Vision.”

The milestone delivery closely follows the first steel structure milestone and potroom concrete pouring Phase II milestones, keeping the Emirati aluminium giant on track to achieve full production for its phase II expansion by the close of 2014.-TradeArabia News Service