The EIB has signed a €180 million financing agreement for the
construction and operation of the largest onshore wind farm on
European territory so far.
179 wind turbines will be built near the Northern Swedish city of
Piteå, close to the Arctic Circle. Of the EIB financing €100
million are backed by the European Fund for Strategic
Investments (EFSI), the central pillar of the Investment Plan for
Europe.
GE Renewable Energy will supply the project with its
3.6 MW turbines with 137 metre rotors, a turbine ideally suited
for the project site’s wind speeds and climate. Additionally, the
turbines will be equipped with de-icing technology.
The project is part of the first phase of “Markbygden 1101”, the
largest single site onshore wind farm in Europe, which is
expected to be completed by 2020.
European Commission Vice-President
Jyrki Katainen, responsible for Jobs,
Growth, Investment and Competitiveness,
said: "Investing in renewable energy by building wind
farms helps to access affordable, clean and secure
energy. However, these large, innovative projects involve a
higher level of risk for investors, which is where the Investment
Plan comes in, providing its guarantee to enable other investors
to come on board. The construction of this ground-breaking wind
farm will confirm Sweden's position as one of the most
forward-looking, sustainable countries in the
EU."
