RIO Tinto Alcan will invest $US 90 million in the modernisation of its Lochaber plant in Scotland.The maintenance project will install new hydroelectric turbo-generators to power the smelter in a bid to increase the use of clean renewable energy for aluminium production at the plant. The modernisation project is set to start in 2009, with completion by 2012.According to Rio Tinto Alcan Primary Metal President, 36% of its smelter energy needs are currently met by clean, self-generated hydroelectricity.The existing hydro generators at the Lochaber aluminium plant have been in use since their installation in 1929. The new modern hydroelectric generators will have an enhanced capacity, with potential for upgrades.Rio Tinto expects the new generators will boost aluminium production at Lochaber to 50 000 tonnes per year.
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generators plant, modernisation, aluminium production, maintenance project, hydroelectricity
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