ATOME PLC (AIM:ATOM), a green fertiliser project developer, has selected Switzerland-based Casale as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for its 145-megawatt Villeta project in Paraguay, set to become the world’s largest dedicated green fertiliser facility.
Once operational, Villeta aims to produce 260,000 tonnes of calcium ammonium nitrate annually, a key fertiliser ingredient.
Casale, with over a century of experience in ammonia and nitrate technologies, will collaborate with local subcontractors to build the facility, drawing on expertise in South America to support development.
"Developing innovative solutions to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries can be a complex and lengthy process," said chief executive Olivier Mussat.
"However, as ATOME works to deliver for its shareholders by concentrating on a product for which there is existing demand, reaching important milestones like this are important to delivering on our stated targets."
In a project financing update, ATOME reported progress in securing funding for Villeta. It stated it is in active discussions with equity and debt providers and expects to advance to the second round of negotiations.
This phase will lead to the final selection of funding partners and completion of financing, a crucial step in realising the project. investors were told.
"The positive feedback during our project finance discussions and favourable project debt costs further validate the strength of our commercial proposition for our green fertiliser offering," said CEO Mussat.
ATOME has also appointed Sam Mackilligan as its head of engineering and project management to further strengthen its team.
Mackilligan, with over 35 years in infrastructure and energy projects, brings experience from his recent role as hydrogen director for Europe at engineering firm AECOM.
His background with major projects positions him to support Villeta’s ambitious goals in advancing green fertiliser production.
"We are pleased to welcome Sam into his capacity as our Head of Engineering and Project Management as we progress to the next stages of the project engineering," said Mussat.