en.Wedoany.com Reported - Greenvolt, through its subsidiary Greenvolt Next, has completed the expansion of the Portalum photovoltaic power plant in Fafe. This project increases the industrial unit's annual renewable energy self-consumption output to more than nine times its previous level.

According to the announcement, the expanded installed capacity has increased to over 1.1 MWp, with annual output rising from 157 MWh to nearly 1.5 GWh.

The expansion adopts the SolarXchange model, enabling Portalum to meet 27% of its energy needs through local renewable energy.

SolarXchange is a solution offered by Greenvolt Next that acquires existing solar assets, invests in asset enhancement and expansion, allowing companies to revitalize installed assets and continue benefiting from the generated electricity through long-term contracts.

For Portalum, which focuses on the production and sale of aluminum solutions, this model ensures predictable electricity costs for the next 15 years without requiring initial investment. Greenvolt Next is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the facility.

Pedro Ramalhosa, Managing Partner of Greenvolt Next Portugal, stated in the announcement that many companies installed solar assets years ago that can no longer meet current demand. As the market matures, the discussion has shifted from installing new capacity to maximizing the value of existing assets.

António Rodriguez Melgar, Manager of Portalum, emphasized that this expansion significantly enhances the facility's renewable energy production and ensures greater cost predictability.

SolarXchange is a model developed by Greenvolt Next in Portugal and other European markets, against the backdrop of energy market volatility and companies' focus on competitiveness and decarbonization.

Greenvolt Next, part of the Greenvolt group, operates in the distributed generation sector, covering 12 European markets with a contracted capacity exceeding 1 GW.