BULGARIA – Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe), part of Ardagh Group, has signed a long-term virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Rezolv Energy, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to sustainable energy.
This agreement will supply AGP’s glass manufacturing operations in Europe with renewable electricity from Bulgaria’s St. George solar photovoltaic (PV) project starting in April 2026.
Facilitated by Schneider Electric, a leader in corporate renewable energy procurement and carbon management, the VPPA positions AGP-Europe as a key investor in Bulgaria’s energy transition.
The St. George solar project, boasting a capacity of 229MW and nearly 400,000 PV panels, will be one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Over a 12-year period, it is expected to provide AGP-Europe with 110GWh of renewable electricity annually.
This VPPA is one of the first in Bulgaria and complements AGP-Europe’s renewable energy portfolio, which also includes wind power secured earlier this year in Sweden.
By combining solar and wind energy sources, the company aims to maintain a consistent and reliable power supply throughout the year.
This strategic diversification is expected to enable AGP-Europe to meet over 80% of its 2030 renewable electricity targets.
AGP-Europe’s CEO, Martin Petersson, expressed satisfaction with the swift completion of the agreement, crediting Rezolv’s flexibility, Schneider Electric’s expertise, and AGP’s own experience. Petersson highlighted the Bulgarian solar project as a critical step in diversifying the company’s renewable energy sources while supporting Bulgaria’s transition to low-carbon energy.
This agreement follows a similar one signed earlier this year with Sunnic Lighthouse and its parent company, ENERPARC, aimed at providing solar energy to AGP-Europe’s NextGen Furnace in Obernkirchen, Germany.
Under that deal, the furnace will transition from a 90% gas and 10% electricity fuel mix to 80% renewable electricity and 20% gas, enabling the production of low-carbon glass packaging.
Additionally, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) facilities in Germany will also receive solar energy through this agreement, marking the first time renewable energy will be supplied to both AGP and AMP.
Jan Knievel, Sunnic Lighthouse’s Origination Head, emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting that the agreement will fix an annual volume of around 130GWh, starting with deliveries from ENERPARC’s existing plants across Germany.
By securing these renewable energy agreements, AGP-Europe continues to lead in sustainability efforts, supporting the global shift toward greener energy solutions.
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