Yara and ATOME PLC sign Heads of Terms for sale of renewable Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer

Yara, a global crop nutrition leader, and ATOME PLC, a leading developer of international green fertilizer projects, sign Heads of Terms for offtake from ATOME’s renewable CAN project in Villeta, Paraguay.

The Heads of Terms covers the long-term supply of all of the Calcium Ammonium Nitrate from ATOME’s renewable production facility in Villeta, Paraguay. Yara would market and sell this fertilizer as part of the YaraBela product line. The 145 MW fertilizer project will produce and export fertilizers derived from baseload renewable power from 2027.

The Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study was completed in the first half of 2024, and ATOME PLC targets to reach Final Investment Decision this year. Once completed, Villeta will produce up to 264,000 tons per year of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate fertilizer, expected to displace significant emissions in the sector.

“The entry into this strategic relationship with global crop nutrition leader Yara is a significant milestone for ATOME on the path to realize our flagship Villeta Project which will be one of the largest renewable fertilizer production facilities in the Western Hemisphere. Proving significant off-taker interest for our renewable product gives a clear path to the finalization of funding, FID and the commencement of work onsite at Villeta, said Olivier Mussat,” CEO of ATOME.

Importantly, it provides the confidence for ATOME to now accelerate the development of its project pipeline, including the 300MW Yguazu project in Paraguay and the 120MW Costa Rica projects.

“We are grateful for the work and the trust of the team at Yara, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” said Olivier Mussat, CEO of ATOME.

“Decarbonizing the food systems is at the forefront of our strategy. Many of the food companies active in South America have committed to decarbonization targets and our collaboration with them reveals that the decarbonization of the production of fertilizers combined with the use of agronomical best practices can significantly reduce the crops’ carbon footprint. Signing the Heads of Terms for the Villeta project is a first step to open the opportunity to further expand our portfolio with fertilizers produced with renewable energy in the Americas. The fertilizers from Villeta will become part of a new portfolio called Yara Climate Choice, including fertilizers based upon renewable energy and carbon, capture and storage. The project’s in-land location could open logistical advantages for some of our growing markets in Mercosur. We are looking forward to developing a strategic long-term relationship with ATOME,” said Chrystel Monthean, EVP Americas at Yara.

For more information, please contact:

ATOME PLC:
Nikita Levine, Investor Relations +44 (0) 113 337 2210 info@atomeplc.com

Yara International: 
Press Officer On duty: +47 400 04 170 press@yara.com 

About Yara International

Yara's mission is to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. We pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth through reducing emissions from crop nutrition production and developing low-emission energy solutions. Yara's ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.

To drive the green transition in fertilizer production, shipping, and other energy-intensive industries, Yara will produce ammonia with significantly lower emissions. We provide digital tools for precision farming and work closely with partners at all levels of the food value chain to share knowledge and promote more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry's only global crop nutrition company. With 18,000 employees and operations in more than 60 countries, sustainability is an integral part of our business model. In 2023, Yara reported revenues of USD 15.5 billion.

 

About Atome

ATOME PLC is an AIM listed company targeting green fertiliser production with 445-megawatt of projects in Paraguay and a further pipeline of potential projects in Central America.

The first project is at Villeta in Paraguay. It benefits from a 145MW renewable power purchase agreement and 30 hectares of land in a tax free zone. Front End Engineering Design studies have been completed and Heads of Terms signed with Yara, the leading international fertiliser company for offtake of all of Villeta’s production. The Company is now negotiating the project finance with a view to closing that and declaring FID before end 2024. There is a further 300MW of renewable power reserved for ATOME in Paraguay.

In Costa Rica, The National Ammonia Corporation S.A. was formed in 2022 with local partner Cavendish S.A. based in Costa Rica to develop green fertiliser projects for the region. As well as straddling the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Costa Rica is a democratic Central American country. In agriculture, Costa Rica is the second largest supplier of pineapples in the world and is in the top ten banana growers.

All power for ATOME is from 100% renewable sources and all chosen sites are located close to the power and water sources and export facilities to serve significant domestic and then international demand.