Nordic infrastructure investor Infranode is preparing to invest Dkr1bn (€133m) in the Danish Port of Esbjerg to expand the site’s offshore wind facilities.
The funding, in partnership with municipally owned Port Esbjerg, will be used for constructing facilities for storage, preassembly and manufacturing of components for the offshore wind industry.
Infranode said the investments will be made available gradually as manufacturers of wind turbine components and offshore wind service providers expand their businesses in the sector.
Port Esbjerg said the agreement with Infranode will provide access to financing for the construction of the facilities “in a world challenged by COVID-19”, ensuring a “lack of capital does not become a hindrance to green growth in Europe”.
Port Esbjerg chief executive Dennis Pedersen said: “We have a really strong platform in Esbjerg and in all of Denmark in terms of the green energy potential.
“The physical settings are in place at the port of Esbjerg, and this agreement will set the base for the necessary financial capabilities for unlocking the huge potential so we can establish the necessary production capacity.”
Port Esbjerg chairman Flemming Enevoldsen said: “We’ve found a strong, long-term partner with substantial insights in energy, port infrastructure and sustainability.
“With this new partnership, the city of Esbjerg, Port Esbjerg and Denmark will be even better prepared to seize opportunities to create green growth and new jobs in the massive expansion of offshore wind power in the North Sea as we approach 2030.”
The investment is expected to create up to 2000 new jobs.
The Port of Esbjerg already has an employment effect equivalent to 17,000 jobs in and outside of the city.
Infranode senior adviser Niels Vallo added: “Esbjerg is uniquely positioned in a rapidly growing offshore wind market as well as in the North Sea, which plays a key role in Europe’s climate transition.
“We’re pleased to have this opportunity to play a part in building on that position and to create a setting for future green growth in the region. We want to play a part in propelling the industry to new heights.”