OREANDA-NEWS. On October 22, 2007 United Company RUSAL, the world's largest producer of aluminium and alumina, and JSC HydroOGK, the Russian leader in the renewable energy sector, have announced that French energy company AREVA will supply electrical equipment for the Boguchansk aluminium smelter, reported the press-centre of RUSAL.

Under terms of the agreement with UC RUSAL and JSC HydroOGK, AREVA will produce and supply two silicon rectifier substations and a gas insulated dispenser system. The equipment is designed for the Boguchansk smelter electricity distribution substation and will convert alternating current into direct current. The contract is valued in excess of EURO 90 million (approximately USD 130 million).

The Boguchansk smelter is expected to have production capacity of 600,000 tonnes of aluminium per annum when completed in 2011. The smelter will have new RA 300 electrolytic cells installed, UC RUSAL’s proprietary technology that is already used at the Company’s Khakas aluminium smelter.

The Boguchansk smelter is part of the large-scale Boguchanskoye energy and metals complex construction project, including the completion of 3 000 MW Hydro Power Plant (HPP) on the Angara river. UC RUSAL and HydroGOK will finance the project on a parity basis.