Atome Energy has expanded its flagship green ammonia production project in Villeta, Paraguay from 60MW to 120MW.
The Villeta project is targeting first production within 30 months from now.
In May 2022 Atome signed a 60MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with ANDE, the Paraguayan National Power Company.
By agreement with ANDE the PPA has now doubled in capacity to 120MW of available 24/7 baseload 100% renewable power for the Villeta Project.
Atome has also appointed Casale, with Urbas Energy-Ingeser and TSK, working in cooperation as its FEED consultant for the Villeta project with FID expected in the second quarter of 2023.
Atome CEO Olivier Mussat told reNEWS, the tender had attracted some “aggressive bidding” from companies in Europe, the US and in Latin America.
“We were spoilt for choice, so we went back and we pushed them harder,” he said.
Criteria included companies with experience in ammonia and those with experience in electrolysers. Companies that have been involved in projects in the LatAm region was also important in the decision-making.
“In choosing UrbasEnergy-Ingeser, TSK and Casale, we have the confidence that they can deliver on time and on budget as they have real expertise along the entire project value chain and on the ground,” Mussat said.
Atome stated that it remains on track to commence full production at Villeta in the first part of 2025 with the available renewable power meaning that the company has no need to build its own power generative capability thereby saving material time and resources and in turn placing Atome at the forefront in terms of production and trading of green hydrogen and ammonia in Latin America.
Atome will use established and well proven production technologies, including alkaline electrolysers, to mitigate operational risks, costs, and delays, with such technology being chosen for the Villeta project.