GE Power & Water signed a long-term contractual services agreement (CSA) with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world’s top aluminum producers, to assure seamless operations of GE’s installed base of turbines that power Taweelah, the largest single-site aluminum smelter complex, in Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of EGA and Paul McElhinney, President & CEO, Power Generation Services of GE Power & Water, signed the contract at a ceremony held in Dubai. 

 

The new CSA builds on GE’s existing partnership with both Emirates Aluminum (EMAL) and Dubai Aluminum (DUBAL), which together have an annual production capacity that represents nearly 50 percent of the total primary aluminum producer in the GCC region. 

 

The Taweelah smelter marks one of the first sites where GE’s 9FA gas turbines have been installed for an aluminum project globally. In all, EMAL has nine GE 9FAs and four steam turbines, which were installed in two phases. The first phase was further upgraded with advanced Dry Low NOx emissions technology, compressor enhancements, cooling optimization and GE’s OpFlex advanced controls software to expand gas turbine performance. The installation of GE’s 9FA technology also helps meet EGA’s goal to reduce environmental impact from the smelter complex.

 

As per the agreement, GE will extend the current contractual service agreement for three of its 9FA gas turbines, as well as add the maintenance and support for two 9FA standby units. The CSA will cover requirements of spare parts, repairs and field services, which GE will provide through a dedicated team that comprises UAE Nationals. The emission control technologies will also ensure the plant reduces its carbon footprint and meets the regulatory requirements set by the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency. 

 

Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of EGA, said: “As a joint entity EGA is moving to the next level of growth as a top global aluminum producer with a strong commitment to the highest measures of operational efficiency and health, environment and safety standards. GE has been a long-term partner of EMAL and DUBAL, supporting the organizations with advanced power generation equipment as well as efficient service support. The new CSA will further enable the Taweelah smelter to function seamlessly through proactive maintenance and assured reliability.”

 

Paul McElhinney, CEO of Power Generation Services for GE Power & Water, said: “This contract with EGA underlines GE’s capabilities to support Taweelah smelter’s reliability and productivity goals. Our advanced technologies and services expertise complement both EGA and the UAE’s focus to further strengthen energy efficiency and reduce environmental emissions. We are committed to supporting EGA in its growth ambitions by drawing on our new and advanced knowledge base to execute this agreement.”— SG