Spanish solar developer Alter Enersun has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Atlantic Copper, a Huelva-based copper refiner, for the construction of a 25-MW/30-MWp solar self-consumption plant in Huelva, Spain.
This EUR 16-million project will supply renewable energy directly to Atlantic Copper's metallurgical complex, increasing its low-carbon electricity usage from 66% to 82%.
The solar farm, located on land owned by the Port Authority of Huelva, is expected to start operations in 2026, generating approximately 53 GWh annually. Under the 25-year PPA, Atlantic Copper aims to cover a significant portion of its energy needs with renewable electricity.
Javier Targhetta, CEO of Atlantic Copper, emphasized the strategic value of the agreement: “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.”
Atlantic Copper, owned by US mining firm Freeport-McMoRan Inc., has already achieved 66% renewable energy use through six previous PPAs and utilizing residual process heat in its operations.
