Enery inks solar PPA with Bulgarian metals producer KCM

Enery will supply electricity to lead and zinc producer KCM in Bulgaria from its photovoltaic project. The power purchase agreement is for 12 years.

Industrial metals producer KCM said it found a way to balance its energy mix with a sustainable supply. Starting in 2024, the company will get electricity from a new solar power plant, owned by Austria-based renewable energy developer Enery and its majority-owned subsidiary Enery Element.

The two sides signed a 12-year power purchase agreement, PPA. The largest lead and zinc producer in Bulgaria requires 400 GWh of electricity per year, the announcement reads. KCM said the green power deal is a leap forward in its environmental, social, and managerial strategy.

Green PPAs are opportunity for industrial clients to boost ESG performances

With an expected annual production of nearly 200 GWh, the new asset offers industrial partners the opportunity to improve their sustainability practices while optimizing and decarbonizing their energy costs, Enery pointed out.

“This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon industrial landscape in Bulgaria and the broader region of Southeast Europe. We remain committed to fostering partnerships that drive forward the energy transition by developing utility-scale renewable projects with positive environmental and social impact,” Enery Element’s Director Nikola Gazdov stated.

Enery Element has over 3 GW in project pipeline in Bulgaria, Romania

The utility said it has a 280 MW “diversified green fleet currently generating over 200 GWh of clean electricity” and that it tailors its green PPAs to clients’ requirements. There is 7 GW in the project pipeline, of which Enery Element is developing more than 3 GW in renewables and battery storage in Bulgaria and Romania, Enery added.

“We believe that partnering with Enery is а viable business approach to achieve sustainable and long-lasting effects from the implementation of green solutions. The interaction between responsible energy consumers and competent suppliers and producers of green energy is at the core of achieving the EU’s clean energy goals,” KCM added in the statement.

The energy-intensive company is part of KCM 2000 Holding, which produces and trades concentrates, non-ferrous metals and alloys.