Thanks to a forward-looking investment strategy aimed at diversifying its energy mix, Altair Chemical has committed to a path towards energy transition and sustainability. This includes reducing consumption and emissions through innovative, future-oriented projects.
Altair Chemical’s energy mix fully abides by the principles of energy transition, sourcing power from zero CO₂-emission sources such as hydroelectric and solar power plants.
With its own facilities, the company can self-produce over 70% of the electricity consumed across its industrial sites. Renewable energy accounts for nearly 60%, while CO₂-free energy reaches 65%.
In operation since 1948, this plant withdraws water from the Anza and Quarazza streams in the municipality of Macugnaga, forming the Lago delle Fate lake. The water is conveyed to the plant, located in Ceppo Morelli (VB), through an underground channel of just under 6 km, with a flow rate of 400 lt per second and a hydraulic head of 550 m. Energy is generated at 2.2 kV, converted to 50 kV, and conveyed to the production site via a dedicated 20 km power line. In 2022, maintenance upgrades were carried out to improve energy efficiency.
Located in the Megolo district of Pieve Vergonte (VB) at 220 m above sea level, the plant began operations in January 1941.
It is powered primarily by water from the Toce River, and the Anza River to a lesser extent. Electricity is conveyed to the facility via a 2.8 km overhead line at 9 kV.
Altair Chemical operates two high-efficiency cogeneration units powered by natural gas: a 4.6 MWe gas turbine and a 2 MWe endothermic engine. Thanks to a major investment, part of the exhaust from the gas turbine is now used to produce potassium carbonate by using CO₂. The GSE (Italian Energy Service Operator) has awarded both plants with white certificates in recognition of their energy efficiency.
In 2020, the Saline di Volterra (PI) site was equipped with two rooftop solar power systems, contributing approximately 350 MWh per year to the site’s energy demand.
In June 2022, Altair Chemical signed 10-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for the direct purchase of renewable electricity with Axpo Italia and Sistema Rinnovabili.
The agreement secures a fixed-price annual supply of 43,800 MWh of clean energy from a solar power plant in Lazio — a strategic choice offering more favourable terms than the wholesale market.
In 2022, Altair Chemical invested €10 million to join Renewability, an innovative consortium that brings three industrial companies together to supply them with renewable energy from off-site plants.
As a result, Altair Chemical now secures 12,000 MWh/year of renewable electricity.
Altair Chemical produces approximately 2,300 tons of hydrogen per year at its facilities through electrolysis of sodium chloride and potassium chloride brine.
A carbon footprint assessment of caustic potash production confirmed the green nature of the hydrogen generated.
In a circular economy approach, hydrogen is reused: 65% in the synthesis of products such as hydrochloric acid, and 35% as fuel in a hybrid system with methane for steam generation, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions.
