Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) has acquired the 80MW Buheii wind farm in Norway from RES.
The project in Kvinesdal in southern Norway will provide Eramet Norway’s smelters with power via a 17-year power purchase agreement.
The project will use 19 Vestas V150 turbines as reported earlier.
Risa has been chosen to carry out all groundwork on the project, which is due to start in the coming weeks and will last for around a year.
Risa has developed a site plan to avoid the spread of coronavirus, and a dedicated staff member will ensure that all new Government regulations related to coronavirus are adhered to.
The full contractor shortlist will be announced in due course.
Eramet Norway has an annual electricity demand of more than 2 terawatt hours, and the company relies on long-term and predictable power conditions to ensure stable and efficient operation in its processing plants in Porsgrunn, Sauda and Kvinesdal.
GIG Europe head Edward Northam said: “The rapid electrification of Norway’s economy is driving a significant growth in demand for affordable power, particularly in the energy-intensive industrial sector and companies like Eramet Norway.
“We are delighted to be playing a role ensuring that this demand is met by renewable sources, with our growing portfolio of Norwegian wind projects.”
RES is remaining involved in the project after taking it through development. RES’ CEO in the Nordics Matilda Afzelius said: “RES has a strong international relationship with Macquarie’s Green Investment Group that is now materialising in the Nordics. We look forward to expanding our partnership through the construction and asset management of this project and forthcoming opportunities.”
Eramet Group sustainable development and communication vice president Virginie de Chassey said: “This project marks the first power purchase agreement of Eramet for wind energy in the supply of its industrial sites.
“It is fully in line with our CSR strategy to bring a positive contribution to the global reduction of carbon emissions, while guaranteeing us a competitive source of energy. The choice of local companies for the construction of the Buheii wind farm also illustrates our constant commitment to be a contributing partner for our host communities.”
GIG’s Nordics portfolio also includes the Hornamossen onshore wind farm and previous investments in two large Swedish projects.