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10 Students from Masdar Institute’s Ektashif Program Visit EMAL Smelter Complex

September 21, 2018

Field Trip Offers Insights on Sustainability Measures Implemented at EMAL

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 July, 2012 – A total of 10 participants from the Ektashif program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, visited Emirates Aluminium’s (EMAL) state-of-the-art smelter complex at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, as part of their study tour.

Yousuf Bastaki, Vice-President – Projects of EMAL, and other senior EMAL officials received the team of students led by Dr. Kenneth Volk, Head of Outreach, Masdar Institute, and Zainab Al Ali, Senior Outreach Officer and YFEL Program Coordinator, as well as Sara Al Junaibi and Ruth Limon, Outreach Officers. Following the welcome note, a presentation on EMAL’s latest project initiatives was provided by Ahmed Al Marzouqi, Project-Reduction at EMAL, and member of Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program.

Later, the Ektashif participants were taken around the smelter complex, where they witnessed the effective use of DX Reduction Cell Technology in producing 750,000 tonnes of aluminium annually. The complex currently includes a 2,000MW power plant, carbon plant and flexible cast-house with a wide variety of world-class products. More importantly, the Ektashif participants learned about EMAL’s implementation of the most sustainable technologies that help reduce emissions in line with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) requirements to minimize its carbon footprint.

Al Marzouqi said: “As a YFEL member, I am proud to lead the presentation and the tour for the Ektashif program members. The EMAL complex stands testimony to the UAE leadership’s commitment to expand the industrial sector and diversify the economy in line with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. At the same time the sustainability measures implemented at the smelter makes it one of the most relevant projects for the Ektashif participants to visit and learn from.”

The four-hour tour of the facility concluded with an interactive session, in which the participants had the opportunity to ask EMAL officials questions on subjects related to production and sustainability techniques.

Aaesha Mohamed Al Hammadi, an Ektashif participant, said: “The field trip enhanced the program’s effectiveness and my learning experience. As a UAE National, I am pleased to witness the on-ground results from the strategies of the country’s leadership. It was interesting to learn the environment-friendly standards being implemented at such a major industrial facility. This field trip will help the UAE national students studying abroad to appreciate the UAE’s vision and commitment to sustainability.”

A joint venture between Mubadala Investment Company and Dubai Aluminium, EMAL is one of the largest industrial projects in the UAE. It has created 2,000 jobs with Emiratization at the core of its employment strategy, which will rise to 3,000 upon completion of Phase II. The company has also introduced scholarship programs to provide technical training for local graduates with guaranteed job opportunities.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.