This is a machine translation of the press release originally published in Portuguese
Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), a global asset manager, and Atlas Agro Holding AG, a producer of nitrogenous fertilizers with zero carbon emissions to the environment, announce today (07/31) a contribution from the asset manager of up to US$ 325 million in Atlas Agro, through the Macquarie GIG Energy Transition Solutions (MGETS) fund.
Atlas Agro is developing projects for the construction of a series of green nitrogen fertilizer plants on an industrial scale in the United States and Latin America, especially in Brazil, which will use green hydrogen in their production process, instead of the conventional process it uses fossil fuels.
Atlas Agro’s innovative business model comprises the production of nitrogen fertilizers from exclusively clean and renewable energy generation, providing a national, sustainable and competitive product to rural producers in the region, and thus promoting a significat reduction in the carbon footprint, both production and transportation.
“MAM, with its project and infrastructure expertise, ability to initiate supportive investments with a broad range of expertise, and its commitment to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-kill industries, is an ideal partner for us, particularly as we approach construction. from our first factories in the United States,” said Petter Østbø, CEO of Atlas Agro.
The investment is a significant step towards enabling Atlas Agro’s expansion in the Americas and globally. The contribution will help the company realize its strategic plan to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizer products based on fossil fuels, which contribute heavily to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Factory in Brazil
In Brazil, Atlas Agro announced the installation of its first manufacturing unit of nitrogen fertilizers based on green hydrogen, to be implemented in Uberaba (MG) with total investments of US$ 850 million.
Th company’s bet is to become the first reference in the decarbonization of the fertilizer industry in Brazil, since currently more than 90% of the nitrogen fertilizer used in the country is imported from other countries, such as Russia, all of which are produced from fossil sources. and pollutants.
The plant will use a 100% clean matrix, from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, to produce green hydrogen, green ammonia and zero carbon nitrogen fertilizers.
The factory will also have a production capacity of 500 thousand tons per year of fertilizers to serve customers in the region. “The new plant is an important step towards replacing foreign fertilizers with a significant carbon footprint with domestic production based on a fully sustainable process. It is also a great opportunity for green reindustrialization and increased promotion of food security in Brazil”, comments Knut Karlsen, co-founder and CEO of Atlas Agro for Latin America.
About Macquarie Asset Management
Macquare Asset Management is a global asset manager that aims to make a positive impact for everyone. Trusted by institutions, pension funds, governments and individuals to manage approximately $582 billion in assets globally, we provide access to investment expertise across a range of resources, including infrastructure, green and renewable investments, real estate, agriculture and assets. assets, financial assets, private credit, shares, fixed income and multi-asset solutions.
Macquarie Asset Management is part of the Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group that provides clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory and risk, and debt, equity and commodity capital solutions. Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group employs more than 20,500 people in 34 markets and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
About Atlas Agro Fertilizantes
Atlas Agro Fertilizantes is a company focused on the production of nitrogen fertilizers with zero carbon emissions to the environment. Its mision is to feed the world with zero emissions, thereby disrupting an industry that accounts for 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Each of its factories can feed around 16 million people and avoid more than 2 million tons of CO2 per year. Atlas Agro has its global headquarters in Switzerland and offices in Spain, the United States and Brazil.