French renewables company Kallista Energy is to acquire a 32MW ready-to-build wind farm in the Netherlands, its first project in the country.
The Oostflakkee project is located about 30km south-west of Rotterdam and has been developed by a group of local farmers together with Renewable Factory and Van Peperstraten Group.
Enercon will supply and install eight E-126 EP3 4MW turbines for the project and provide operations and maintenance once the project is operational in the first quarter of 2021.
The wind farm, which will also include a 50kV substation, is expected to deliver 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year.
Kallista Energy president Frederic Roche said: “The Netherlands has ambitious targets for wind energy and the Oostflakkee project was the perfect opportunity for us to expand our activities outside France with the first step of our future Dutch operations in a renewable energy friendly environment.
“We are delighted that this project was initiated by locals as it highlights the growing implication of citizens in the energy transition.
“The strong presence of Enercon into the project was also key to its success.”
Kallista is owned by funds advised by Ardian on behalf of APG and AXA
Ardian head of infrastructure Mathias Burghardt said: “As long-term investors, it is our duty to contribute to the green energy transition, to reduce emissions and to limit climate change in line with COP 21 objectives.
“Since 2009, we have led the growth of renewable energy production of Kallista Energy through successive acquisitions, repowering and construction of new wind farms.”
Kallista Energy chairman and APG head of global infrastructure investment Jan-Willem Ruisbroek said: “APG is highly committed to pursuing investments that meet the joint ambition of delivering strong, long-term investment returns for our pension fund clients whilst also contributing to the wellbeing of the society we serve.
“This investment represents a great example of this dual purpose – solid long-term returns and providing clean, green energy for the Netherlands.
“Kallista is one of the leading European renewables developers and we very much look forward to supporting its management team in its continuing expansion into new projects and markets.”
Enercon Netherlands country manager Bram van Noort said: “Enercon welcomes Kallista to the Dutch market after previously concluding successful business together in various projects in France.
“In Kallista we find a trustful and pragmatic partner with whom we are glad to collaborate in constructing wind farms also in the Netherlands.
“We are thankful that Kallista’s confidence in Enercon has moved with them into the Netherlands, and we’re looking forward to supplying them with our turbines and project management expertise.”
Enercon managing director Hans-Dieter Kettwig said: “Onshore wind energy is experiencing difficult times today, especially in our home market Germany.
“Nevertheless, projects like Oostflakkee reassure us that we are on the right track and that renewables are the future regarding power generation in Europe.
“International investors trust onshore wind energy and our technology. Together we will continue to drive forward the energy transition worldwide.”
No details were given on the price of the acquisition.