Abu Dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced hot metal production at its pilot reduction cells for the EX technology, marking the debut of the company's next-generation aluminium smelting technology.
According to Emirates News Agency, the pilot project at Al Taweelah is crucial for preparing the technology for large-scale industrial applications. This initiative is pivotal for EGA's future plans for low-carbon primary aluminium production and aims to solidify EGA's standing as a preferred smelting technology provider globally. The pilot will also test advanced Industry 4.0 capabilities in the aluminium sector, incorporating EGA's existing use cases and developing new digital capabilities focused on artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, emphasized the significance of achieving the first hot metal from the EX Technology reduction cells, highlighting its importance for EGA's technology leadership and future expansion. The objective is to enhance primary aluminium production using cutting-edge technology, build a futuristic smelter, and create additional value through global smelting technology partnerships.
For over 35 years, EGA has developed its own aluminium smelting technology in the UAE, using it for every smelter expansion since the 1990s and retrofitting older production lines. Notably, EGA became the first UAE industrial firm to license its core process technology internationally, partnering with Aluminium Bahrain in 2016 for the Potline 6 project.
EGA's EX represents the 10th generation of its smelting technology. Construction of the pilot pots began in late 2024. Designed for efficiency, EX aims to produce more aluminium with reduced energy consumption per tonne and lower emissions, offering higher productivity per square meter compared to the latest DX+ Ultra technology.
The EX technology is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions per aluminium tonne by around five percent for the more productive variant and approximately 12 percent for the lower energy variant.