Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Aluminium (Emal), one of the largest single site smelters in the world, has completed the installation of three new gas turbine units at its flagship industrial project in the emirate.

The construction of the phase II of the plant by contractors Samsung C&T is approximately 40 per cent complete and ahead of schedule, said a statement from Emal, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Dubai Aluminium.

With most civil construction works complete and all three gas turbine units now delivered, set and installed on foundation, the project is entering a major phase, it added.

Emal celebrated the milestone installation at an “On-Foundation Ceremony” held  in the presence of Dr Tae Kyun Kwon, the South Korean Ambassador to the UAE, and senior representatives of the construction Samsung C&T to the smelter.

Emal president and CEO Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei highlighted the importance of excellence and shared ambition to over 200 guests attending the milestone occasion, including Dae Sung Hwang, the project director and VP, Samsung C&T, and executive VPs Chul Ho Kim and Hee Won Kim.

“This latest installation significantly progresses Emal’s Phase II expansion plans. The new power plant utilises the latest technological advances since Phase I to improve efficiency and mitigate environmental impact,” remarked Al Mazrooei.

The installation of the turbine units was being done as part of the second phase of the plant's expansion,which also includes two steam turbines.

The power plant units are equipped with an enhanced combustion system which will increase efficiency at the smelter. The combined cycle power plant is cooled using two new cooling towers, similar to Phase I, but improved  to further reduce  salt dispersion.

Once completed, the capacity of the plant will soar by 1,000 MW to 3,000MW, making it one of the biggest single-site power stations in the Gulf region.

The new power complex is expected to be fully operational by June 2014, keeping Emal on track to achieve full production for its Phase II expansion by the close of 2014.

Emal VP Projects Yousuf Bastaki said: “By partnering with contractors and third parties who share EMAL’s core values, EMAL will continue to establish itself as a major new global player in aluminium production for the benefit of the Emirates in line with its capital 2030 Vision.”-TradeArabia News Service