Norwegian-based owner Hydro has announced the Switchyard Upgrade Project, which it says will secure the smelter’s long-term future. It will reduce the risk of power outages and provide sufficient capacity to increase production in the future.
By extension, the move to upgrade the plant will also ensure long-term employment for the workers.
The upgrade project will be coordinated by engineering company Worley Parsons. Three new rectiformers will be installed to replace equipment which is more than 40 years old.
Three existing potlines will also have their control systems replaced, along with direct current metering systems.
The upgrade will improve efficiency and reduce energy losses in feeding power to the smelter. It is expected to be complete by February 2011.