Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, celebrated a significant milestone in its Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Project with the arrival of Mitsubishi Power’s groundbreaking M701JAC Gas Turbine (GT) on October 16, 2023. This GT is the first of its kind in the world manufactured specifically for a primary aluminium smelter and installed in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The JAC GT is an air-cooled version of the J-series GT and Steam Turbine, with a combined cycle output of 680.9 MW. It is designed to reduce CO2 emissions when compared to conventional coal-fired boilers and turbines used worldwide. The arrival of this state-of-the-art gas turbine marked an important moment for Alba’s project, and a special gathering was held on October 24, 2023, at the Block 4 Project site to commemorate this milestone.
Alba’s CEO, Mr. Ali Al Baqali, expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating that the Gas Turbine’s arrival brings them one step closer to improving operational efficiency and accelerating their ESG transformation in line with Bahrain’s objective of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060. He emphasized that the JAC GT would enable Alba to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and provide clean energy, supporting their vision of becoming a sustainable and responsible aluminium producer.
Representatives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and SEPCOIII were also present at the gathering. Mr. Takashi Tozawa, Senior Fellow, Senior General Manager, GTCC Business Division of Energy Systems at MHI, expressed his commitment to delivering state-of-the-art and hydrogen-ready gas turbine technologies to support Alba and Bahrain in meeting their power and decarbonization goals.
Similarly, Mr. Kong Lingfeng, Vice President of SEPCOIII, pledged their support in meeting Alba’s expectations through the timely installation of the gas turbine and generator. SEPCOIII aims to leverage its Chinese expertise to boost Alba’s production capacity and complete the project within the scheduled timeline.
Alba’s PS5 Block 4 Expansion Project involves adding a fourth block to the existing Power Station 5 Complex. The new block will have a combined cycle configuration with a 680.9 MW M701JAC Gas Turbine Combined Cycle and will be connected to the existing 220kV Substation. Once operational in the fourth quarter of 2024, Block 4 will increase the nameplate capacity of the PS5 Complex from 1,800 MW to 2,481 MW while reducing its overall greenhouse gas emissions intensity ratio.
The arrival of the Mitsubishi Power gas turbine signifies a significant step forward in Alba’s quest for operational efficiency and sustainability. The company’s partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and SEPCOIII highlights their commitment to delivering clean energy solutions and contributing to Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
In conclusion, the arrival of the Mitsubishi Power M701JAC Gas Turbine at Alba’s Power Station 5 marks a significant milestone in the project’s progress. Alba’s ambition to become a sustainable and responsible aluminium producer is reinforced with the installation of this state-of-the-art gas turbine, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Bahrain’s energy goals. The collaboration between Alba, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and SEPCOIII demonstrates a dedication to delivering clean energy solutions and driving sustainable development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
