Dubai Aluminium (Dubal), as part of its efforts to introduce energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products and systems in its operations, is evaluating the feasibility of converting its lighting system to LED lighting.

LED lighting is not the only issue that Dubal, one of the largest smelters in the world, is looking at. The company is also conducting a review aimed at converting the smelter’s electrically-driven air-conditioning chillers to a much more efficient system using absorption chiller technology, said Tayeb Al Awadhi, its vice president for power and desalination.

'LED technology is not only well-tested and proven to be extremely energy-efficient but also has become more affordable. The aim is to embark on plant-wide full-scale LED lighting conversion at Dubal as soon as practicable,' said Al Awadi.

'Furthermore, these energy-saving bulbs are mercury-free, making them environment friendly during disposal.'

Dubal has also taken steps to minimise the air-conditioning load by setting the units’ thermostats to 24 degrees Centigrade during working hours and 27 degrees during non-working hours, with advisory stickers being pasted on every thermostat controller to remind users of the initiative.

Commenting on absorption chillers, he said that absorption chiller technology, being steam-driven, used approximately 75 per cent less electrical power than conventional air-conditioning system

'Phase 1 of the project, which entails trialing absorption chiller technology at Dubal’s desalination control building, should begin by the end of 2011. Once operational, the absorption chiller is expected to reduce Dubal’s power consumption by approximately 2 million kWh per annum.'

Dubal will ensure that all unnecessary lights are switched off after working hours, wherever applicable; and that all computers/monitors are also switched off when employees leave after a shift at the office, Al Awadhi added.

'A dedicated committee has been formed within Dubal with the mandate to implement these and other energy-saving initiatives,' he concluded.