Boliden Somincor, EDP and the Greenvolt Group have entered into a partnership to install a Self-Consumption Production Unit (UPAC) in the vicinity of the Neves-Corvo mine, in Castro Verde. This distributed solar generation project, located at one of Europe's largest zinc mines, will be the largest ever developed in Portugal, with an installed capacity of 49 MWp. The solar plant will reduce dependence on the electricity grid and increase the predictability of energy costs, while also cutting Boliden Somincor's carbon dioxide emissions by more than 41,000 tonnes per year, making a significant contribution to the company's decarbonisation objectives.
The new facility will be built at Herdade de Neves da Graça, in Castro Verde, on land already owned by Boliden Somincor and included within the mining concession area. The plant - the largest self-consumption solar facility to be developed in Portugal - will be installed through a partnership between EDP Comercial and Greenvolt Next and will cover an area of approximately 55 hectares.
Once operational, the plant will produce close to 100 GWh of electricity per year, contributing to the company's energy independence, enhanced operational resilience, and direct control over its energy consumption. Integrated into Boliden Somincor's decarbonisation plan, the project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026 and includes the supply and construction of the UPAC, as well as the expansion of the electrical substation that serves the company.
"This project represents a major investment by Boliden Somincor in transforming and adapting our practices to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. This solar park will generate the equivalent of one third of our total annual consumption and will enable a drastic reduction in CO₂ emissions. As the largest employer in Baixo Alentejo, we have an increased responsibility towards our communities. This is therefore an important milestone on the path to carbon neutrality, which we want to be part of, together with partners of excellence such as EDP and Greenvolt,"
highlights Gunnar Nyström, Managing Director of Boliden Somincor.