Acuerdo entre Alcoa, Ignis EQT, Gobierno y Xunta para futuro de San Cibrao.

Alcoa, Ignis EQT, the central government, and the Xunta have signed a «memorandum of understanding» (MOU) to ensure the long-term future of the San Cibrao plant (Lugo), which includes prioritizing the restart of the plant. According to the Ministry of Industry, this agreement «recognizes the interest of the parties to collaborate with the plant’s workers to achieve operational stability, prioritizing the reactivation of the aluminum facilities.» Additionally, they agree to accelerate the authorization of renewable energy projects to achieve competitive energy costs, while prioritizing an increase in CO2 emission aid. The Ministry of Industry and Tourism announced last year that this budget item will increase to 600 million euros by 2025.

The Xunta and the Spanish government will promote the necessary measures to accelerate the authorization and execution of waste storage area projects that Alcoa is promoting in the industrial complex, including the expansion of the red mud pond (DBR). This protocol, signed by the Minister of Industry, Jordi Hereu; the Minister of Economy of the Xunta, María Jesús Lorenzana; as well as representatives of Alcoa (Rob Bear) and Ignis (Antonio Sieira), aims to improve the long-term prospects of San Cibrao.

Alcoa’s global energy vice president, Álvaro Dorado, expressed optimism about the progress made to enhance San Cibrao’s long-term prospects. He emphasized the importance of dialogue with various stakeholders, especially national unions and the San Cibrao works council, to secure the necessary elements for the future of the plant. The multinational company also mentioned that Alcoa and Ignis EQT are working on finalizing their joint venture agreement and collaborating with labor organizations at San Cibrao to support operations.

The Minister of Economy and Industry, María Jesús Lorenzana, highlighted the protocol’s intention to process the necessary procedures for Alcoa to become a competitive company. She mentioned that the Xunta expects administrative approval for the expansion of the sludge pond and has already authorized the part of the Galician government related to wind energy. This protocol sets Alcoa and Ignis on the path to work with the factory employees and the works council on a new viability plan for the company.

The president of the Alcoa San Cibrao works council, José Antonio Zan, criticized the MOU, considering it merely a document of intentions without legal value. He expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with the works council before signing the agreement. Zan also questioned the need for a new viability agreement instead of fulfilling the current one. The Socialist Party of Galicia supported the memorandum and called for its fulfillment by all parties. They praised the efforts to increase carbon compensation and urged speed in the processing of ongoing wind projects.

FUENTE