Casale at the Core of ATOME’s Villeta Project Following Final Investment Decision

Lugano (Switzerland), 23 April 2026 – Casale is proud to play a central role in the development of ATOME’s Villeta Project in Paraguay, following the achievement of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for what will become the world’s first industrial-scale low-carbon fertiliser plant based on green hydrogen.

The FID marks a decisive milestone for the project, confirming the technical, financial and contractual readiness to proceed with construction and bringing Villeta into its execution phase.

This milestone builds on the strong financial foundations established earlier this year, including the execution of definitive debt agreements on March 12, 2026, in Asunción, during the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group Annual Meetings.
This progress has culminated in the completion of the project’s overall funding structure.
The participation of leading international financial institutions further underlines the project’s robustness and global relevance.

Developed by ATOME, the Villeta facility will produce 260,000 tonnes per year of low-carbon Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), supported by a long-term offtake agreement with Yara International ASA covering the full production.

The project will use 100% renewable baseload hydropower and is expected to displace 500,000 tonnes of CO₂e per year, contributing to the decarbonisation of fertiliser production and strengthening a more resilient and sustainable fertiliser supply chain in the Mercosur region.

Discover the Villeta Project through a 3D visualisation of the plant.
Watch the video

Casale’s Role: Technology and EPC Execution

Casale has been selected as technology provider and EPC contractor for the project, with responsibility for the design, engineering, procurement and construction of the plant.

In April 2025, Casale and ATOME signed a US$465 million fixed-price, lump-sum EPC contract, positioning Casale as the lead technical partner for the delivery of the facility.

Casale’s proprietary process technologies and integrated engineering capabilities are key to ensuring the plant’s performance, reliability and operational efficiency, enabling the production of low-carbon fertilisers at industrial scale.

A Landmark Project for the Energy Transition

Villeta represents a breakthrough in the fertiliser industry, demonstrating that large-scale production can be decoupled from fossil fuels through the use of renewable hydrogen.

As highlighted by ATOME’s CEO, Olivier Mussat:

“Reaching FID at Villeta is a defining achievement for ATOME. What started as a concept has now transformed into a bankable industrial platform set to revolutionise the global agricultural sector.”

The project will also contribute to strengthening regional food security and supporting the transition towards more sustainable fertiliser production in Latin America.

Villeta also represents a reference project and replicable model for the future deployment of industrial-scale green fertiliser facilities globally.

Construction activities are expected to commence shortly following FID, with the plant expected to enter commercial operation by 2029.

Casale’s Commitment to Sustainable Fertiliser Production

Federico Zardi, CEO of Casale, commented:

“We strongly believe in the importance and urgency of decarbonising fertiliser production. The Villeta Project is a concrete demonstration that low-carbon fertilisers can be produced at industrial scale using renewable energy.

We are proud to contribute to this landmark initiative as technology and EPC partner, supporting ATOME in turning an ambitious vision into an operational reality.”

Casale’s involvement in the Villeta Project further reinforces its position as a leading licensor of advanced sustainable fertiliser technologies and a trusted partner for the delivery of complex, large-scale industrial projects supporting the global energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.

Watch the Villeta Project 3D video to explore the plant design and layout.

For more details, please refer to ATOME’s official announcement