Accelerating its green fleet: Alba debuts electric AlF3 feeding vehicle in potlines
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Manama (ALBH): In a forward step towards its ambitious decarbonisation goals, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on a single site, is embarking on a pilot programme for an electric, battery-powered Aluminium Fluoride (AlF3) feeding vehicle. This innovative step, utilising a cutting-edge vehicle from Techmo Car S.p.A., is currently being evaluated in Reduction Lines 4, 5, and 6.
Alba will analyse the data and performance of this trial vehicle to inform its decision on a potential fleet-wide adoption of electric AlF3 feeding vehicles. This move underscores Alba's commitment to sustainable operations and aligns perfectly with its overarching Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
An official handover ceremony for the vehicle was held on 23 January 2025 at the Company's premises, attended by top Alba officials, including CEO Ali Al Baqali and COO Dr. Abdulla Habib, as well as the Managing Director of Techmo Car S.p.A. Massimo Zannini.
Ali Al Baqali, the Chief Executive Officer of Alba, commented: 'This initiative to explore electric AlF3 feeding vehicles within our reduction lines represents a proactive and decisive step towards minimising our environmental footprint. We are optimistic about the positive outcomes of this trial, confident that it will further cement our commitment to sustainable practices. Every action, no matter how small, contributes significantly to a more sustainable future.
We are proud to collaborate with innovative industry leaders like Techmo, who share our vision for a greener tomorrow.'
Massimo Zannini, the Managing Director of Techmo Car S.p.A., added: 'Alba is a longstanding customer of Techmo Car S.p.A. and we are honoured to continue this partnership through this pioneering endeavour. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing sustainable technologies within the aluminium industry. We are confident that this electric AlF3 feeding vehicle will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to Alba's decarbonisation journey.
We look forward to a successful trial and exploring further opportunities for collaboration with Alba in the future.'
This initiative builds upon Alba's existing sustainability efforts. Since 2023, the Company has successfully deployed solar-electric powered industrial Personnel Carriers (PCs) across its premises.
Furthermore, three strategically located solar charging stations equipped with advanced battery storage systems are operational at the car park areas of Alba's Power Stations.
Based in Italy, Techmo Car S.p.A. is a leader in the engineering and production of high-end, tailor-made, mobile and stationary equipment for the aluminium industry.
-Ends-
About Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)
[Ticker: ALBH]
A Global Aluminium Leader: At plus-1.622 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) (2024), Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a proud 50-year legacy in operational excellence, safety, environmental responsibility, and community development.
Trusted Partner: A cornerstone of the Bahrain's economy, Alba produces high-quality aluminium, including standard and value-added products, which are exported to over 270 customers globally. With sales' offices in Europe (Zurich), Asia (Singapore), and a subsidiary in the U.S., Alba is a reliable partner on the world stage. Alba is dually listed on Bahrain Bourse and London Stock Exchange and its shareholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C. © (69.38%), SABIC Industrial Investments Company (SIIC) (20.62%) and General Public (10%). Alba prioritizes the highest quality standards, reflected in its certifications: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 18788 (security operations management). Additionally, Alba demonstrates its commitment to responsible manufacturing through certifications like IATF 16949 (automotive quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity), and ASI Performance and Chain of Custody Standards. This dedication is further underscored by their top 1% Ecovadis Platinum rating for sustainability.
Pioneering Sustainability: As the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East, Alba is central to Bahrain's thriving downstream aluminium sector, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's GDP. Committed to social responsibility, Alba employs a workforce that is 86% Bahrainis (2023) and invests heavily in employee training and development. Alba also plays a crucial role in the Aluminium Downstream Park, therefore increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP of Bahrain. Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce Aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom.
Recognised for its environmental practices, social contributions, and corporate governance, Alba launched a comprehensive ESG Roadmap in 2022 focusing on 6 priority areas: (1) Decarbonisation, (2) Green Energy & Aluminium, (3) Circular Economy & Secondary Aluminium, (4) Employee Welfare, (5) Collaboration & Partnership and (6) Transparency, Communications & Due Diligence. Since its inception, Alba has invested into numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on the society. Alba's first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project and the Power Station 5 Block 4 Project are tangible initiatives aligned with Bahrain's Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060 led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.
In a significant step towards its ESG goals, particularly its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, Alba introduced EternAl, its new line of low-carbon aluminium products. Launched in May 2024, EternAl offers two initial variants: EternAl-30 and EternAl-15, containing 30% and 15% recycled content respectively.
Safety First, Always: Guided by the motto "Safety First, Safety Always," Alba prioritises the well-being of its employees and contractors. The Company achieved a record-breaking 30 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury in September 2022. The Company has been recognised internationally for its excellent Safety and Health track record with awards such as the RoSPA President's Award for winning RoSPA Gold Medal Award 10 years in a row, the British Safety Council's International Safety Award with Merit along with 4-Star Audit Rating, as well as numerous awards from the National Safety Council (NSC).
Alba Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Expansion Project
Alba's PS5 Block 4 is a new 680.9-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant that expands the existing PS5 facility. This state-of-the-art J-class gas turbine addition boasts superior efficiency compared to Power Stations 3 & 4. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2024, Block 4 will boost PS5's total capacity to 2,481 MW, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 0.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of aluminium produced.
A consortium of Mitsubishi Power and SEPCOIII is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from design and engineering to construction and commissioning. Alba has achieved in April 2024 the first fire of the state-of-the-art GT for Block 4 Project.
Alba Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Alba prioritises open communication with all its stakeholders, including the community, environmental and social groups. Through its Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Company proactively addresses environmental and social impacts of its operations, outlining clear mitigation controls. Alba also maintains an external Grievance Mechanism accessible through the Code of Conduct, allowing stakeholders and the public to voice concerns and raise issues.
Alba's External Grievance Mechanism
Alba prioritises ethical conduct and environmental responsibility. Stakeholders, employees, contractors, and the community can confidentially report any potential breaches of Alba's Code of Conduct or raise concerns about environmental and social impacts through the Alba Integrity Line. This independent, multilingual hotline operates 24/7 and is accessible via a toll-free phone number, the company intranet, or the website at www.albasmelter.com.
For further details, please contact:
Eline Hilal
Director, Investor Relations, Insurance & Corporate Secretary
Investor Relations Department
E-mail: eline.hilal@alba.com.bh
Website: www.albasmelter.com
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