Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Alcoa, RUSNANO and Holding IDGC Sign Memorandum of Intent to Produce Nano-coatings for Power Transmission Grids

Home > Press > Alcoa, RUSNANO and Holding IDGC Sign Memorandum of Intent to Produce Nano-coatings for Power Transmission Grids

Abstract:
Alcoa (NYSE: AA), OJSC RUSNANO and JSC Holding Inter-regional Distribution Grid Companies (JSC Holding IDGC) signed today a Memorandum of Intent to establish a joint venture for the development and production of nano-coatings. The memorandum was signed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum by OJSC RUSNANO Chief Executive Officer Anatoly Chubais, Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld, and JSC Holding IDGC Deputy Director General and Technical Director, Boris Mekhanoshin.

Alcoa, RUSNANO and Holding IDGC Sign Memorandum of Intent to Produce Nano-coatings for Power Transmission Grids

St Petersburg, Russia and New York, NY | Posted on June 19th, 2011

The joint venture will produce a broad range of applications including anti-icing nano-structured coatings for ground cables, wires and other components of power transmission lines. The project also includes production of next-generation wires and cables with improved conductivity and anti-icing properties for JSC Holding IDGC companies. Alcoa and RUSNANO joint venture will look to install a pilot production line for the application of nano-coatings. JSC Holding IDGC, in turn, will support implementation of corresponding research and development, tests and certification of new high-tech products.

"It's well known that icing and rupture of power transmission lines due to inclement weather conditions is one of the most acute problems for Russian power engineers," said Chubais. "We expect our joint development of nano-coatings for existing power lines and future production of next-generation cables will fix that problem."

Kleinfeld added: "Alcoa and its partners RUSNANO and JSC Holding IDGC offer unique technological and production capacity. Together, we hope to open new opportunities for the aluminum industry in Russia."

JSC Holding MRSK Director General, Nickolay Shvets, concluded that last winter's "icy rain" were proof of the need for wires with anti-icing properties. The technology will reduce power outages and increase service life. "Producing next-generation wires and cables in Russia to meet the demands of the country's power distribution grid will be an important step in improving system reliability of power supply to consumers," he said.

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About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world.

Alcoa first entered Russia in 1993. In 2005 the company acquired two Russian largest fabricating facilities: Samara Metallurgical Plant (now ZAO Alcoa SMZ) and Belaya Kalitva Metallurgical Production Association (now ZAO AMR). Since 2005 Alcoa has invested over $750 million to upgrade its Russian facilities.

JSC Holding IDGC is a Russian company operating in power engineering, which structure unites interregional and regional power distribution grid companies (MRSK/RSK), institutes of scientific research and research and development institutes, as well as construction and sales organizations. 97 branches of MRSK/RSK are situated in 69 subordinate entities of the Russian Federation. Grids of 10 power grades from 0.4 to 220 kV are in the sphere of JSC IDGC Holding companies responsibility. The overall length of JSC Holding IDGC affiliated operating companies’ grids exceeds 2.1 million kilometers. The Holding IDGC is one of the world’s largest power grid companies in power distribution grids length and number of consumers. The overall volume of power transfer in 2010 was 591 billion kW/hour. The IDGC Holding groups numbers around 190 thousand qualified experts responsible for reliable and quality transfer and distribution of power, providing consumers technological involvement services.

OJSC RUSNANO The opened joint stock company RUSNANO was founded in March 2011 by restructuring of State Corporation “Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies”. The OJSC RUSNANO performs the state policy on development of nanoindustry, being the co-investor of nanotechnological projects with gross economical or social potential. 100% of OJSC RUSNANO stock is the state property. Anatoliy Chubais was appointed the OJSC RUSNANO Chief Executive Officer.

The tasks of the State Corporation “Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies” on creation of nanotechnological structure and performing the educational programs are fulfilled by the Foundation of infrastructural and educational programs, which was also created as a result of reorganization of the State Corporation. More detail - www.rusnano.com

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Contacts:
Alcoa Inc.
Editorial Contact:
Michael E. Belwood
812-604-0530

Investor Relations:
Roy Harvey
212-836-2674

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