Pioneering sustainable horizons: Atlas Renewable Energy’s journey

In 2017, a group of industry experts and visionaries came together with a common goal: to redefine the renewable energy landscape in Latin America, and beyond.

Far from the corridors of high finance and the buzz of tech start-ups, Atlas Renewable Energy began its journey grounded in the realities of the energy sector, driven by a clear vision – to harness the power of the sun and the wind to power progress sustainably.

Since then, the renewable energy landscape has evolved significantly. Governments across Latin America have implemented favourable policies and incentives to promote renewable energy investment, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

In Spain, Atlas’s European operational hub, half of all electricity is now produced from renewables, and the government aims for this proportion to rise to 80% by 2030 with an investment of approximately US$322bn expected to come from the private sector.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as the need for significant investment in grid infrastructure, overcoming regulatory barriers, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy across all communities.

REWRITING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY NARRATIVE

With 5.2 GW of renewable energy assets in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay, of which 2.3 GW are operational, Atlas’s ascent has been significant. The company’s strategy is focused on helping large corporations in their decarbonisation transition, and it has signed groundbreaking power purchase agreements (PPAs) with some of the world’s most electricity-intensive consumers.

The journey of Atlas from a fledgling company to a frontrunner in the industry is a testament to its strategic foresight and meticulous execution. By forging strategic partnerships and leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, Atlas has grown its operational footprint while also bolstering energy security and sustainability.

A case in point is its recent PPA with Albras, Brazil’s largest primary aluminium producer. The energy provided under the agreement will be supplied by the Vista Alegre Photovoltaic Project. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, the plant’s installed capacity of 902 MWp, one of the largest in Latin America, will generate approximately 2TWh of clean electricity per year, offsetting approximately 154,000 tons of CO2 emissions – the equivalent of removing more than 61,800 cars from the streets of Sao Paulo.

This venture epitomises Atlas’s capability to deliver large-scale solutions, demonstrating that renewable electricity can power even the most energy-intensive industries sustainably and reliably. Projects like this can help rewrite the clean energy narrative; proving that with the right vision and execution, renewables can be both a viable and a preferable alternative to traditional energy sources.

STEPPING UP TO THE PARIS AGREEMENT CHALLENGE

However, simply generating renewable energy is not a silver bullet for achieving climate goals. To meet the ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement, it’s estimated that the world needs to more than triple its installed renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by the end of this decade. Achieving this monumental goal requires more than just adding megawatts to the grid. Each project must be meticulously aligned to the specific needs and circumstances of local communities, creating a future where sustainability and progress go hand in hand.

Beyond generating clean energy, Atlas is dedicated to fostering a positive impact that resonates through every aspect of its operations. With every project and partnership, Atlas is redefining the energy sector, making sustainability the heart of its mission, one project at a time.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: A KEY PRIORITY FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION

While clean energy is better for the environment than traditional fossil-fuel-based resources, the impacts associated with the development and construction of wind and solar plants must also be considered. To truly harness the ecological benefits of renewables, the energy transition must be environmentally responsible, every step of the way.

Under its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), a framework built upon international guidelines including the IFC’s Performance Standards, Atlas’s commitment to the environment goes beyond compliance to active contribution and steward- ship. From reforestation initiatives to wildlife conservation efforts, every Atlas project is paired with conservation endeavours aimed at restoring native flora and safeguarding local wildlife – such as its award-winning initiative to protect the howler monkey population near its 444 MW solar project in the Mexican state of Campeche.

These efforts not only preserve biodiversity but also deepen the bond between Atlas and local communities, ensuring that progress in renewable energy is in harmony with nature.

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND FOSTERING INCLUSION

By involving communities in the planning and execution of projects, companies operating within the renewable energy sector can ensure that their work brings tangible benefits to local populations, from job creation and skills development to improvements in public infrastructure and access to clean energy.

Atlas’s social initiatives reflect a deep understanding of the communities it serves. The company’s social investment programs, such as the Ed-Mundo program, Project Carmen, and Ecociclo, are tailored to address the unique needs and aspirations of local populations. These programs focus on enhancing education, improving public health infrastructure, and promoting sustainable living practices, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy development contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Beyond community engagement, as the renewable energy industry grows in size, so too does its influence, giving forward-thinking companies an unprecedented opportunity to reshape societal norms within the workplace.

Recognising that an inclusive culture is the cornerstone of sustained success, Atlas has dedicated itself to dismantling barriers and nurturing an environment where every team member can thrive. Particularly noteworthy is Atlas’s “She Leads” program, a bold stride towards fostering a female-led approach to leadership in a traditional industry. Through the program, Atlas has not only equipped women with skills, both within the company and their personal lives, to guide them on their long-term goals but also surfaced new viewpoints and ideas by providing women with a platform to share their perspectives.

But Atlas’s vision of inclusion extends far beyond gender. It’s about valuing and embracing every individual’s unique background and perspective. This approach isn’t just morally right; it’s a key driver of innovation and success, as diverse teams bring a wealth of ideas and experiences that are invaluable in the ever-evolving renewable energy sector.

CHARTING THE COURSE FOR A RENEWABLE FUTURE

The road to sustainable transformation is complex and challenging. The deployment of large-scale solar farms in diverse geographical terrains brings logistical complexities that demand innovative solutions for the transportation and installation of solar panels in remote locations. Integrating renewable energy into existing power grids poses technical challenges that require navigating intricate regulatory frameworks in close collaboration with local authorities.

From harnessing advancements in solar panel efficiency to exploring new models for energy storage and grid integration, Atlas is at the forefront of technological innovation in the renewable energy sector. However, the company’s approach to innovation is tempered by a pragmatic understanding of the need for risk management, financial sustainability, and long-term project viability. This balanced approach ensures that Atlas’s pursuit of innovation is grounded in practical realities, enabling the company to navigate the complexities of the renewable energy market with confidence and foresight.

Atlas’s story, while unique, is a crucial chapter in the broader story of our global shift towards a sustainable future, built on a foundation of transparency, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to create win-win outcomes for all parties involved. Achieving the ambitious goals of the renewable energy sector requires more than individual excellence; it demands collaboration, shared learning, and a unified commitment to overcoming challenges together.