Additional Power Granted for Critical ATOME Energy Project - Green Hydrogen Generation
ATOME Energy's Viletta project, located in Viletta, Paraguay, is making significant strides towards becoming a reality. The project aims to establish a 245,000 tons per year calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) green fertilizer facility, powered by approximately 145 MW of renewable hydroelectricity.
The project has secured a power purchase agreement for 145 MW of renewable power, and ATOME Energy has reserved up to an additional 300 MW of renewable power capacity in Paraguay. The power for the Viletta project will be supplied from the nearby Buey Rodeo substation.
ATOME Energy has also secured a 100% offtake agreement for the fertilizer production with Yara International, a global fertiliser leader. The project benefits from 43 hectares of land situated in a tax-free zone in Viletta, providing advantageous financial and operational conditions.
Financially, the project has received significant backing. A $115 million equity investment from Hy24, a low carbon hydrogen investor acting as lead equity investor, has been secured. Additionally, ATOME Energy has received a $50 million concessional loan from the Green Climate Fund, and an in-principle approval of up to $135 million in senior debt financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), a major climate finance provider. Final financing details are being finalized, targeting a final investment decision by the end of September 2025.
An EPC contract fixed at $465 million has been signed with Casale S.A., a specialist in ammonia and fertilizer engineering, indicating strong progress towards construction. The 1-gigawatt substation, currently undergoing initial testing, will play a crucial role in powering the Viletta project.
The Viletta project is viewed as a flagship renewable ammonia-based fertilizer project that disrupts dependence on fossil fuels in fertilizer production in the Mercosur region of South America, contributing to regional food security. Olivier Mussat, the chief executive of ATOME Energy, is leading the company's efforts to achieve a final investment decision (FID) for the Viletta Project by the end of the year.
In summary, ATOME Energy's Viletta project is in advanced development with secured green power supply, confirmed green fertilizer production capacity and offtake, strong financial backing, and a confirmed tax-free zone location, targeting operational commencement by 2027.
[1] ATOME Energy PLC (AIM:ATOM) Press Release, [Link to Press Release]
[2] Green Climate Fund Press Release, [Link to Press Release]
[3] European Investment Bank Press Release, [Link to Press Release]
[4] ATOME Energy PLC (AIM:ATOM) Investor Presentation, [Link to Investor Presentation]
- The Viletta project, a 245,000 tons per year green calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilizer facility, is financed by a $115 million equity investment from Hy24, a low carbon hydrogen investor, a $50 million concessional loan from the Green Climate Fund, and in-principle approval of up to $135 million in senior debt financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
- ATOME Energy's Viletta project, situated in a tax-free zone in Viletta, Paraguay, is a flagship renewable ammonia-based fertilizer project that aims to disrupt dependence on fossil fuels in the fertilizer industry, backed by 145 MW of renewable power and a 1-gigawatt substation.
- The Viletta project, powered by renewable energy and owned by global fertiliser leader Yara International, will produce green hydrogen and contribute to regional food security in the renewable-energy business sector of South America.
