Stakeholders Sign Agreement to Secure Future of San Cibrao Aluminum Plant
The Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Xunta de Galicia, U.S.-based multinational Alcoa, and energy company Ignis have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ensuring the long-term future of the aluminum plant in San Cibrao, Lugo. The agreement signals a collective commitment to collaborate with the plant’s workers to stabilize operations and prioritize the reactivation of aluminum production facilities.
Key aspects of the agreement include expediting the approval process for renewable energy projects to reduce energy costs and prioritizing increased financial aid for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These measures are intended to make the plant’s operations more competitive and environmentally sustainable.
“Today, Alcoa Inespal, Ignis EQT, the Government of Spain, and the Government of Galicia have together taken an important step forward to improve the long-term prospects of San Ciprián,” said Álvaro Dorado Baselga, Alcoa’s Global Vice President of Energy.
Despite the positive outlook presented by the parties involved, the plant’s works council has expressed skepticism about the agreement’s effectiveness. They criticized the MoU, stating that it “does not have any legal value” and “does not legally commit to anything.”
The San Cibrao plant has faced challenges in maintaining its competitiveness, and this agreement represents an effort by stakeholders to address these issues. However, its success will depend on the implementation of the proposed measures and the collaboration between all parties involved.
