Repsol received this Wednesday, October 2, the Digital Title of Industrial Exploration for the two new factories of the ALBA Project at the Sines Industrial Complex, at a ceremony with the presence of the Minister of Economy, Manuel Castro Almeida, and the president of CCDR Alentejo, Ricardo Pinheiro. This title allows the exercise of industrial activity and constitutes a determining step before the start of operation of the units.
The investment in the project was updated from 657 to 830 million euros, an addition of 173 million euros, about 26% compared to the value initially announced in October 2021. The two factories — one of polypropylene and another of linear low-density polyethylene — add a production capacity of 600 thousand annual tons of polymers, all 100% recyclable and destined for sectors such as pharmaceutical, automotive, and agri-food.
The start of operation of the units is planned for the end of 2026, a delay compared to the initial forecast of 2025. During construction, the works mobilized up to 1,300 workers during peak periods. Currently, the company states it has created 100 permanent direct jobs and around 300 indirect ones to ensure the operation of the factories.
The ALBA Project also includes a new storage and dispatch platform, the reactivation of the internal railway branch and connection to the Port of Sines, forming a multimodal logistics for distribution in European markets. The expansion occupies 38 hectares adjacent to the existing complex and was recognized as a Project of National Interest Potential. Repsol also plans to integrate photovoltaic energy self-consumption and hydrogen produced by electrolysis to increase energy efficiency.