The Close Out Report includes a discussion on the challenges faced in the detailed design phase of Alcoa’s MVR project at Wagerup alumina refinery, that resulted in time and cost increases, leading to the project termination. The report also provides an overview of the key lessons learnt and reflections from the project.
Report extract
The MVR technology pilot project at Wagerup commenced in March 2021 to study the feasibility of using renewable energy-powered MVR to generate steam in the alumina refining process.
The project continued until November 2023, when, after a detailed review, it was found to be financially unviable, as it no longer met the set-out project objective of low capital form of evaporation, and the decision was taken to close it.
Although this project at Wagerup is closed, Alcoa believes that Mechanical Vapour Recompression, as a technology, may still have a part to play in decarbonisation of the alumina industry.