Alba has upgraded the technology for its Line 6 Expansion Project from EGA DX+ to EGA DX+ Ultra.

The upgrade to the EGA DX+ Ultra Technology will boost Alba’s production to 540,000 tonnes per year, an increase of 26,000 mtpa versus prior projections. This will bring Alba’s total production capacity to approximately 1.5 million tonnes making it the largest single site smelter in the world.

The DX+ Ultra Technology will improve energy efficiency, which in turn will allow Alba to increase its metal production with no increase in overall energy consumption.

Alba’s Line 6 Expansion Project timeline remains on track with “first hot metal” scheduled for 1st January 2019.

Commenting on the upgrade, Alba’s director for the Line 6 smelter project and engineering, Shawqi Al Hashimi, said: “We are very fortunate to have EGA as a partner in the Line 6 Project. The upgrade to DX+ Ultra Technology is a game changer that will allow Alba to increase output through the use of low energy consumption technology and further strengthen Alba’s position as a leading, low cost producer.” 

Dr Ali Al Zarouni, EGA’s senior vice president, technology development and transfer, Jebel Ali Operations, said: “Research and technology development have been the hallmarks of EGA since the inception of our business. We have dedicated considerable resources – both human intellect and financial investment – to these activities over the years. DX+ Ultra Technology is the result of the latest efforts to develop lower capex and lower energy, high amperage reduction cells.”

The project is expected to have a big impact on Bahrain’s economy as well as strengthening the kingdom’s position as a hub for the downstream aluminium industry in the GCC.

Al Hashimi and Dr Al Zarouni signed the agreement in the presence of EGA managing director and chief executive Abdulla Kalban and members of the EGA technology development and transfer department.