Boliden Somincor, EDP and Greenvolt Develop Portugal’s Largest Solar Self‑Consumption Plant
Boliden Somincor, EDP and the Greenvolt Group have entered into a partnership to install a Self‑Consumption Production Unit (UPAC) in the vicinity of the Neves‑Corvo mine, in Castro Verde. This distributed solar generation project, located at one of Europe’s largest zinc mines, will be the largest ever developed in Portugal, with an installed capacity of 49 MWp. The solar plant will reduce dependence on the electricity grid and increase the predictability of energy costs, while also cutting Boliden Somincor’s carbon dioxide emissions by more than 41,000 tonnes per year, making a significant contribution to the company’s decarbonisation objectives.
The new facility will be built at Herdade de Neves da Graça, in Castro Verde, on land already owned by Boliden Somincor and included within the mining concession area. The plant - the largest self‑consumption solar facility to be developed in Portugal - will be installed through a partnership between EDP Comercial and Greenvolt Next and will cover an area of approximately 55 hectares.
Once operational, the plant will produce close to 100 GWh of electricity per year, contributing to the company’s energy independence, enhanced operational resilience, and direct control over its energy consumption. Integrated into Boliden Somincor’s decarbonisation plan, the project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026 and includes the supply and construction of the UPAC, as well as the expansion of the electrical substation that serves the company.
“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,”
highlights Gunnar Nyström, Managing Director of Boliden Somincor.
João Manso Neto, CEO of the Greenvolt Group, emphasises that “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.”
The project began development more than a year ago, with design, permitting and engineering work carried out jointly by Boliden Somincor, EDP and Greenvolt Next. It involves the engagement of around 200 people throughout the process, contributing to job creation at local level and within the sector. Once operational, the solar plant will be managed by EDP for a period of 12 years and will play a decisive role in reducing the energy exposure of this energy‑intensive industry, increasing security of supply and strengthening the energy resilience of the region and the country.
About Boliden Somincor
The Neves‑Corvo mine is operated under concession by Boliden Somincor. Located in the Alentejo region, Somincor is an underground mine that primarily produces copper, zinc, lead and silver. The processing facility consists of two separate concentrators, one for copper and one for zinc. Somincor forms part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, which extends from southern Spain into Portugal. The massive sulphide ore deposit was discovered in 1977. Mining operations began in 1988, with copper production starting the following year. Today, the operation is highly automated and uses a variety of mining methods.