Alba’s Power Station 5 Block 4 begins operation, advancing Bahrain’s sustainable energy goals

Mitsubishi Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has successfully completed the Power Station 5 Block 4 expansion at Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), a landmark development that enhances efficient power generation while supporting Bahrain’s industrial energy solutions. The project features Mitsubishi Power’s hydrogen-ready gas turbine, marking a significant step in Alba’s decarbonization strategy and reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

The newly inaugurated gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power plant integrates Mitsubishi Power’s M701JAC gas turbine, a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency technology designed to ensure reliable and low-carbon power generation. Developed in partnership with SEPCOIII, the facility delivers a total output of 680.9 megawatts (MW), strengthening Bahrain’s energy security while increasing Alba’s captive power capacity to 2.4 gigawatts (GW).

The completion of Power Station 5 Block 4 further cements Mitsubishi Power’s track record in industrial energy solutions, with the company successfully delivering the project one month ahead of schedule. The achievement was celebrated at an inauguration ceremony attended by senior officials, including Alba’s Chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO Ali Al Baqali, and Chief Power Officer Amin Sultan, along with executives from Mitsubishi Power and SEPCOIII.

Why Is the Power Station 5 Block 4 Expansion Critical for Alba and Bahrain?

Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, relies on efficient power generation to sustain its operations and reduce its carbon footprint. The addition of Power Station 5 Block 4 significantly improves energy efficiency, increasing the power station’s output while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The facility’s efficiency is projected to increase from 48.7% to 50.99% in summer and from 50.02% to 52.25% in winter, directly supporting Bahrain’s Net Zero Emissions by 2060 target.

The expansion integrates Mitsubishi Power’s hydrogen-ready gas turbine, designed to accommodate future energy transitions by allowing a gradual shift towards low-carbon hydrogen fuel. The project is expected to cut CO₂ emissions intensity, reducing emissions by 0.5 tonnes per tonne of aluminium produced, aligning with Alba’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) roadmap.

Beyond sustainability, the expansion enhances industrial energy solutions, ensuring Alba’s energy independence while stabilizing Bahrain’s power infrastructure. The project aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainable industrial development and energy security.

What Role Does Mitsubishi Power’s Advanced Gas Turbine Technology Play?

Mitsubishi Power’s M701JAC gas turbine is central to the Power Station 5 Block 4 expansion. As an advanced J-class turbine, it operates at high temperatures, achieving superior fuel efficiency and lower NOx emissions. The hydrogen-ready gas turbine ensures long-term flexibility, supporting future advancements in clean energy while maintaining reliable electricity production for Alba’s smelting operations.

The gas turbine integrates with a Hitachi steam turbine, an SPX air-cooled condenser, and a XIZI heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to optimize power output and heat efficiency. These elements enhance the plant’s combined cycle efficiency, ensuring maximum energy recovery and minimal waste emissions.

Mitsubishi Power’s collaboration with SEPCOIII and local subcontractors facilitated the project’s timely execution, demonstrating the company’s expertise in large-scale energy projects. The successful first fire of the gas turbine was achieved in April 2024, followed by the completion of hot commissioning ahead of schedule.

How Does the Project Support Bahrain’s Sustainability and Economic Growth?

Bahrain’s industrial growth depends on efficient power generation to sustain operations in energy-intensive sectors, such as aluminium production. The Power Station 5 Block 4 project directly contributes to the country’s sustainability goals, reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring stable industrial energy solutions.

The project’s success aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which emphasizes technological innovation, energy security, and environmental responsibility. By deploying a hydrogen-ready gas turbine, Mitsubishi Power supports Bahrain’s transition towards cleaner energy sources, paving the way for future hydrogen integration.

Alba’s Chairman, Khalid Al Rumaihi, emphasized that Power Station 5 Block 4 represents more than just an expansion; it is a symbol of innovation and sustainability. CEO Ali Al Baqali echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s role in reducing emissions while ensuring stable power generation for Alba’s operations.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Mitsubishi Power’s Service Agreement with Alba?

To ensure continued operational efficiency, Mitsubishi Power has signed a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with Alba. Under this agreement, Mitsubishi Power will provide ongoing maintenance and performance optimization, ensuring high availability and reliability of the gas turbine.

The LTSA secures long-term power plant efficiency, allowing Alba to maintain uninterrupted aluminium production while minimizing downtime and operational costs. This agreement reinforces Mitsubishi Power’s commitment to Bahrain’s energy sector, ensuring sustainable power solutions for years to come.

Mitsubishi Power’s dedication to cutting-edge energy solutions extends beyond Alba’s Power Station 5. The company continues to develop advanced gas turbine technologies and digital analytics platforms, helping industries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region achieve greater efficiency, resilience, and carbon reduction.

What’s Next for Alba and Mitsubishi Power?

Following the successful commissioning of Power Station 5 Block 4, Alba and Mitsubishi Power will continue exploring low-carbon innovations to enhance energy efficiency and industrial resilience. With Bahrain’s focus on sustainable economic development, future projects may incorporate hydrogen-based energy solutions and advanced grid infrastructure to further decarbonize the industrial sector.

The completion of this project demonstrates Mitsubishi Power’s role as a key partner in Bahrain’s energy transition, ensuring a future powered by cleaner, more efficient energy sources. As Bahrain progresses towards its Net Zero goals, partnerships like these will continue to drive sustainable growth and technological advancement in the region’s industrial sector.