Volta Project

From Chile to the world, innovation in green hydrogen and green ammonia to address decarbonization.

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Pioneers of the green energy revolution, from Chile to the world

A green energy-leading project that is born in the Atacama Desert

Volta project is strategically located in the Atacama Desert, a place that has the greatest solar radiation in the planet.

This privileged location, combined with our team of experts and highly competitive sustainable production processes, position us with a considerable advantage to lead the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.

At MAE, we plan to provide green ammonia to Chilean industries committed with the national decarbonization goal. Competitive production costs, along with the geographic location of Chile, its ports and existing infrastructure, allow us distributing green ammonia also to the world.

Mae Infrografia Proceso Hidrogeno

Electrolysis Unit

The electrolysis unit dissociates water into hydrogen molecules that feed a downstream ammonia synthesis unit, and oxygen molecules that are vented to the atmosphere at a safe location.

The water will come from existing desalination plants in the area, and the project will seek to use all the wastewater from Mejillones that is currently discharged into the sea, thus contributing to the cleanliness of the bay.

Voltage Regulation Zone

The voltage regulation zone is powered during the day mainly by solar energy produced by our Photovoltaic Plant and renewable energy during the night coming from the grid.

The voltage regulation zone simultaneously supplies energy to the electrolysis unit, air separation unit (ASU), and ammonia plant.

Air Separation Unit

The air separation unit produces nitrogen molecules (by liquefaction of air captured from the atmosphere) that feed the ammonia plant. Oxygen molecules are vented to the atmosphere.

Ammonia Unit

The hydrogen and nitrogen combine in the ammonia plant to form green ammonia, which then goes to the green ammonia storage area that connects to the existing port infrastructure and the truck loading station for distribution to Chile and the world.

Advantages of our production base:

We plan to provide green ammonia to Chilean industries committed with the national decarbonization goal.

Competitive production costs, along with the geographic location of Chile, its ports and existing infrastructure, allow us distributing green ammonia also to the world.

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Volta project, innovation with renewable energies

Our project is located in Mejillones, one of the main port areas in the country

Our Volta project is strategically located in Mejillones, one of the main port areas of Chile. It has a solid water supply infrastructure and electrical networks and is currently the only port that is part of the international ammonia routes. The plant, at full capacity, will contribute to the reduction of more than 1 million tons/year of carbon dioxide emissions.

Project Volta stages

Our project has two stages of construction and production. Each one will produce approximately 300 tons per year of green ammonia.

  • 1

    Initial community relationships:
    2022 – 2023

  • 2

    Presentation of Environmental Assessment Study: 2024

  • 3

    Permanent community relationships: Since 2023

  • 4

    Construction first stage 2025

  • 5

    Start of production first stage 2027

600.000

Tons of green ammonia per year.

300.000

Tons of green ammonia per year in each phase.

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Development, engineering and safety

At MAE, we are developing a world-class project that includes reliable and cutting-edge technology

Our highly trained and committed engineering team is key in the development of each stage of the project

From the first stages to the plant start-up and operation, our team works under integral development criteria that guarantee efficiency, innovation, sustainability, respect for the environment, and safety.

In all of these efforts, our number one priority is the safety of both those who are part of our team and the community where our Volta project is located.

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Positioning in the renewable energy market

80% of a green hydrogen and green ammonia project’s OPEX comes from the cost of energy

Our vision is clear: we want to position Chile as one of the leaders in the emerging green hydrogen and green ammonia economy. To achieve this ambitious goal, we are designing and implementing a comprehensive energy strategy that makes the most of Chile's exceptional natural conditions for the generation of hydrogen from renewable sources.

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World-class experience in key sectors

Complementing our internal experience with consulting, energy, and construction experts

At MAE, we work with leading companies to develop a project of excellence. This integral collaboration covers all aspects of the project, from conceptual design to environmental assessment, electrical studies and market analysis.

Our group of advisors come from various corners of the world, including Houston, Buenos Aires and New Delhi, along with leading Chilean experts.

All of them have worked together with our team with a common goal: to build one of the pioneering and most important green hydrogen and green ammonia projects of the new decarbonized economy.

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A contribution to the community

Meetings held with local authorities, and with various organizations of the Mejillones community, have allowed us to lay the foundations for the design of a community relationship strategy in line with our neighbors’ interests and concerns.

Because we care about knowing them and that they know us, this early relationship with the community is important for building trust through a transparent, fluid and effective communication.

Meetings held with local authorities, and with various organizations of the Mejillones community, have allowed us to lay the foundations for the design of a community relationship strategy in line with our neighbors’ interests and concerns.

We are carrying out a dissemination plan with educational establishments located in the municipal district. Our drive and commitment is to share knowledge about green hydrogen and green ammonia through educational workshops.

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Recycling of materials and environment care

The recycling of materials is a fundamental part of our project.

Solar panels will be recycled at the end of their useful life, and we will be guided by the highest standards of recycling technology.

The same applies to other equipment used in the process, which will be recycled with the highest standards at the end of their useful life.