Alter Enersun inks PPA with copper refiner for 25 MW of solar in Spain

Spanish solar energy developer Alter Enersun on Monday announced that it has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) that will underpin the construction of a 25-MW/30-MWp solar self-consumption plant in Huelva, southwestern Spain.

Under the agreement, Huelva-based copper refiner Atlantic Copper will use the electricity to power its metallurgical complex in the city.

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Alter Enersun said that it will invest EUR 16 million (USD 17m) in this project, benefiting from 25 years of the duration of the PPA. The solar farm will be constructed on land belonging to the Port Authority of Huelva, close to the power consumption site, and start operation in 2026. Its annual output is estimated at around 53 GWh, Alter Enersun stated.

The plant will enable Atlantic Copper to cover a portion of its energy demand with 100% renewable electricity and increase its low-carbon electricity consumption to 82% from 66%, according to Javier Targhetta, CEO of Atlantic Copper. Atlantic Copper’s metallurgical complex achieved those 66% thanks to six long-term PPAs signed previously and the use of residual process heat.

“The commitment to long-term fixed-price electricity supply contracts consolidates our strategy of becoming independent from the volatility of the electricity market, making us more resistant to energy price crises, such as the one experienced in recent years,” Targhetta added.

Atlantic Copper is owned by US mining company Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX).

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.063)