Abu Dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Sunstone, a pre-baked anode producer from China, have entered into a Joint Development Agreement to advance the development of an anode manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was formalized at the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) event, with signatures from Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, and Lang Guanghui, Chairman of Sunstone.
According to Emirates News Agency, the planned facility in Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi is expected to have a capacity of 300,000 tonnes of anodes annually. This capacity would reduce EGA's dependency on imports and position the UAE as potentially the second country after China to export anodes globally. Currently, EGA produces 1.35 million tonnes of anodes annually at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah plants, with the remaining needs being met through imports.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has been instrumental in facilitating Sunstone's market entry into Abu Dhabi. Sunstone will benefit from ADIO's energy and land support programs, key initiatives within Abu Dhabi's industrial strategy aimed at attracting high-impact investments.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban emphasized the project's significance in enhancing EGA's contribution to the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative by localizing the manufacture of key raw materials. He noted that EGA already spends over AED 8 billion annually on local goods and services, which constitutes approximately 40% of its global expenditure. The company aims to increase this proportion to further support the development of UAE's industry.
Lang Guanghui highlighted the UAE's favorable environment for industrial growth, attributing it to the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative and government support. He expressed confidence in the collaboration with EGA, marking it as a milestone in Sunstone's global expansion and a benchmark for excellence in anode manufacturing.
Mohammad Ali Al Kamali from ADIO stated that Sunstone's new facility in Abu Dhabi, its first outside China, underscores the strength of the local industrial ecosystem. He emphasized ADIO's role in fostering partnerships that enhance domestic supply, local capabilities, innovation, and Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for industrial excellence.
The feasibility study for the project has been completed, and the facility will be developed as a joint venture, with Sunstone holding a 55% share and EGA 45%. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with production commencing as early as 2028.