Boliden Somincor, EDP, and the Greenvolt Group have announced a partnership to develop what will become Portugal’s largest solar self-consumption plant. The new facility will be installed near the Neves-Corvo mine in Castro Verde, one of Europe’s largest zinc mines. With an installed capacity of 49 MWp, the project aims to reduce Boliden Somincor’s reliance on the electricity grid and lower carbon dioxide emissions by over 41,000 tonnes annually.
The solar plant will be constructed at Herdade de Neves da Graça, within land already owned by Boliden Somincor and part of its mining concession area. Developed through a partnership between EDP Comercial and Greenvolt Next, the facility will cover about 55 hectares.
Once operational, it is expected to generate nearly 100 GWh of electricity per year. This output will support Boliden Somincor’s energy independence and provide more direct control over its energy consumption. The project forms part of the company’s decarbonisation strategy and includes not only the supply and construction of the production unit but also an expansion of the electrical substation that serves Boliden Somincor. Completion is anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Gunnar Nyström, Managing Director of Boliden Somincor, stated: “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.”
João Manso Neto, CEO of Greenvolt Group, added: “the scale of this project, unparalleled at national level, will enable Boliden Somincor to take concrete steps towards decarbonising its operations. This project sets an example for a key sector of our economy and serves as a strong signal and incentive for all other sectors. It demonstrates that it is possible to adopt sustainable and efficient solutions that directly enhance business competitiveness through reduced energy costs.”
Development began over a year ago with design work carried out jointly by all three companies. The process involves around 200 people across different stages, supporting local employment as well as jobs within the sector. After completion, EDP will manage operations for twelve years.
The Neves-Corvo mine is operated under concession by Boliden Somincor in Portugal’s Alentejo region. The underground mine primarily produces copper, zinc, lead, and silver using automated processes since beginning operations in 1988.
