UC RUSAL plans to switch to gas as main energy source at Aughinish alumina refinery

UC RUSAL is set to complete a project to switch the Aughinish alumina refinery, Europe’s largest alumina producer, from heavy fuel oil to gas as its main energy source. The two steam generators designed to generate a total of 300 tonnes per hour of reliable, high-pressure superheated steam will replace the existing oil-fired boilers and are scheduled to produce their first steam at the end of May this year. Energy savings are expected to reach up to USD12 per tonne depending on gas and fuel prices.

RUSAL is investing approximately EUR 15 million in the gas project which is part of a large-scale modernization programme being carried out at the Aughinish refinery. The shift from oil-fired boilers to gas-powered steam generators will reduce carbon emissions by 5%, particulate pollutants by 33%, nitrogen oxide by 38% and eliminate all sulphur oxide emissions. Steam generators and auxiliary equipment are designed and supplied by Foster Wheeler AG, a global engineering and construction company and power equipment supplier. ‘The Aughinish alumina refinery is currently among the highest performing in the industry. The proposal to shift to gas-powered steam production is another step forward which will enable Aughinish to significantly increase its economic and environmental performance. Cash cost reduction is essential in the current aluminium market environment, while environmental efficiencies are of great importance in light of the upcoming EU Directive on industrial emissions, scheduled to come to force in 2016,’ said Valeriy Matvienko, Director for UC RUSAL’s Alumina Division.