National Aluminium Company (NALCO) has signed a technology license agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for deploying EGA's UAE-developed DX+ Ultra aluminium smelting technology at its expansion project. The agreement was signed on September 7, 2026, in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for India's aluminium sector expansion. Under the partnership, EGA will provide NALCO with the complete technology package including technology license, technical know-how, engineering designs, technical information, and technical support during various project implementation stages. The agreement covers NALCO's 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) brownfield smelter expansion project at Angul (Anugola), Odisha, with the signing ceremony attended by senior officials from both companies. As per the latest agreement, the Emirati firm will also train NALCO staff to use the technology and offer technical assistance throughout the project.
The DX+ Ultra technology represents a high-amperage and efficient aluminium smelting solution designed to support higher productivity and improved energy performance. The technology will be deployed for NALCO's planned 0.5 MTPA brownfield expansion at its Angul facility in Odisha, with the expansion expected to add approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum of aluminium production capacity. According to company reports, adoption of this technology is expected to enable NALCO to develop an efficient and competitive smelter with optimised capital and operating costs. The technology's advanced features are specifically designed to enhance the overall operational efficiency of the aluminium production facility and support enhanced operational productivity, optimised capital and operating costs, and greater technological efficiency in aluminium production.
The proposed brownfield expansion will add approximately 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of aluminium production capacity at Anugola, Odisha. Together with NALCO's existing capacity, the expansion will enable the company to move towards an overall aluminium production capacity of about 1 million tonnes per annum. This expansion represents a significant capacity addition for India's aluminium production capabilities and will strengthen NALCO's position among major aluminium producers in India. The project is an important part of NALCO's broader expansion strategy and is expected to strengthen its position in the domestic aluminium industry while helping the company cater to the growing demand for aluminium from India's strategic and emerging sectors. The brownfield project aims to double NALCO's aluminium output by 500,000 tons annually by 2030.
The technology partnership with Emirates Global Aluminium positions NALCO under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, to leverage advanced UAE-developed smelting technology for its expansion project. The initiative is expected to contribute to economic growth and environmental efficiency and support India's broader vision of Viksit Bharat. The deployment of DX+ Ultra technology at the Angul smelter is expected to enhance NALCO's production capabilities while supporting efficiency and sustainability in aluminium manufacturing. Brijendra Pratap Singh, CMD of NALCO, stated that with EGA's DX+ Ultra technology, the Angul expansion project will emerge as one of the most efficient aluminium smelters in India, supporting the company's growth and expansion plans while strengthening India's aluminium ecosystem.
