Alba has a new feather added to its sustainability crown: battery-powered AlF3 feeding vehicle

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has taken another stride to accomplish its decarbonisation goals with its newest discovery — an electric, battery-powered Aluminium Fluoride (AlF3) feeding vehicle. The pilot apparatus has been shaped into reality with the utilisation of an advanced vehicle from Techmo Car S.p.A. and is under evaluation in Reduction Lines 4, 5, and 6.

A feeding vehicle in any aluminium smelter is crucial as it continuously supplies the essential raw material, alumina, to the electrolytic cells where aluminium is extracted, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted production process by delivering small, regular additions of alumina to the electrolyte, which is necessary for the ongoing electrolysis reaction to occur properly. Without this continuous feed, the aluminium production would significantly decrease or even stop completely. Alba is going to scrutinise the data and performance of the pilot vehicle to inform its decision on a potential fleet-wide adoption of electric AlF3 feeding vehicles. 

Ali Al Baqali, the Chief Executive Officer of Alba, commented, keeping focus on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, “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 and 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.”

The official ceremony for the handover of the feeding vehicle was held on January 23, 2025, at the world’s largest aluminium smelter on a single site from the house of Alba, attended by top company 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.

Massimo Zannini, the Managing Director of Techmo Car S.p.A., has 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.”

The battery-powered vehicle initiative is an added feather to Alba’s sustainability crown and is built 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. This time, Alba's partner is 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.