ATOME PLC reaches FID for 260,000 t/yr green fertiliser plant in Villeta, Paraguay
- Total project funding US$665 million: US$420 million in debt and US$245 million in equity.
- Villeta will produce 260,000 tonnes/year of low‑carbon Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) with a 10‑year binding offtake from Yara.
- Plant will run on 100% renewable baseload hydropower and is expected to displace ~500,000 tonnes CO2e annually (up to 12.5 million tonnes over the project life).
- Final Investment Decision reached; FID conditional on ATOME shareholder approval expected in May 2026 and full production projected by or before October 2029.
Final Investment Decision
ATOME PLC has reached the Final Investment Decision (FID) for its flagship Villeta fertiliser plant in Paraguay, the company’s first industrial‑scale low‑carbon facility to achieve FID. The decision moves ATOME from developer towards industrial producer, with construction expected to start shortly and full production projected by or before October 2029. The FID is conditional on ATOME shareholder approval expected in May 2026.
Financing
The US$665 million financing package comprises US$420 million of debt from international development finance institutions coordinated by IDB Invest together with the IFC, European Investment Bank, FMO and the Green Climate Fund, and US$245 million of equity led by Hy24 alongside IFC, KfW DEG, IFDK (EFSD+‑backed), Sudameris and ATOME PLC. Natixis CIB and GKA Advisors advised ATOME on the transaction.
Technology, offtake and operations
Villeta will produce 260,000 tonnes/year of low‑carbon Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) using 100% renewable baseload hydropower. A 10‑year binding offtake agreement covers full production with Yara International ASA. Engineering and execution partnerships include EPC partner Casale S.A.
Impact and replicability
The project is positioned as a commercial blueprint for decentralised, fossil‑fuel‑free fertiliser production in the Mercosur region. It is expected to displace about 500,000 tonnes CO2e annually and up to 12.5 million tonnes over the project’s life, create local jobs, strengthen Paraguay’s industrial base and improve regional fertiliser supply resilience.
Source: Hy24