- Foster Wheeler AG will design and supply steam generators for installation in early 2014.
- The new generators will produce 300 tonnes per hour of high-pressure superheated steam.
- Aughinish refinery increased its annual production capacity to 1.99 million tonnes of alumina in 2012.
- A new bauxite residue storage area will meet waste management needs until 2030.
Project Overview
The Aughinish refinery in Ireland is transitioning from oil-fired boilers to gas-powered steam production. This change aims to leverage low-cost gas supplies and reduce environmental impact.
Engineering and Equipment
Foster Wheeler AG, a global engineering and construction company, will design and supply the steam generators and auxiliary equipment. The installation is scheduled for early 2014. The new generators will produce a total of 300 tonnes per hour of high-pressure superheated steam, replacing the existing oil-fired boilers.
Modernisation Efforts
This initiative is part of a broader modernization project at the Aughinish refinery, which is Europe's largest alumina producer. In 2012, the refinery increased its annual production capacity to 1.99 million tonnes of alumina. Additionally, a new bauxite residue disposal area was launched in 2011 and is expected to be completed by 2013. This new storage capacity will meet waste management needs until 2030, based on an annual production rate of 2 million tonnes.
Regulatory Compliance
The shift to gas-powered steam production is also driven by the upcoming EU Directive on industrial emissions, set to take effect in 2016. This change is expected to significantly enhance the refinery's economic and environmental performance, aligning with current market conditions and regulatory requirements.
