Xunta de Galicia Advances Wind Farm Projects to Power Alcoa’s San Cibrao Complex
The Xunta de Galicia is nearing the completion of the processing for two additional wind farms, adding to a series of renewable energy projects aimed at supplying power to the Alcoa industrial complex in A Mariña, Lugo. This update comes after the authorization of construction permits for a dozen wind farms intended to energize the aluminum production facility.
José Antonio Zan, president of the Alcoa works committee, shared details from a recent meeting with Nicolás Vázquez, General Secretary of Industry, and Pablo Fernández Vila, General Director of Energetic Planning and Natural Resources. The discussion focused on the progress of wind farm approvals, with most regional projects already receiving their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and construction authorization. According to the committee, one of the pending projects is expected to receive its construction permit within weeks, and the other within three months.
However, the committee voiced concerns over delays from the central government in granting construction permits for five wind farms proposed by Endesa and in auctioning the interconnection nodes for Greenalia's projects. These pending approvals represent a significant portion of the base load power required by the complex.
In addition to energy concerns, the committee mentioned the ongoing process to expand the sludge pond at the Alcoa facility. Documentation submitted by Alcoa on February 6th is currently under review by public health authorities, with further evaluation by the Consellería de Medio Ambiente expected shortly. The urgency of these matters is recognized, with expectations for a prompt review.
The Alcoa factory in San Cibrao, located in the municipality of Cervo, Lugo, has recently resumed primary aluminum production after a two-year hiatus. The gradual reactivation of its tanks marks a significant step towards full operational capacity, highlighted by the first transfer of liquid aluminum from electrolysis to the smelting department, totaling 4,560 kilograms.
