The European Investment Bank (EIB), in co-operation with the German KfW IPEX-Bank and Rabobank, has agree to provide 350 million euros to NOP Agrowind for construction of 26 new wind turbines in the existing Windpark Noordoostpolder in the Netherlands. Once complete the 86 wind turbine scheme will be the largest wind farm in the Netherlands with a total power output of 195 Megawatts.
As Pim van Ballekom, EIB Vice President responsible for the Netherlands stated: “Unlocking the potential of wind energy both improves energy security and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The European Investment Bank is pleased to support the NOP Agrowind project as part of our long-term investment in renewable energy in the Netherlands.”
NOP Agrowind is an initiative of agricultural entrepreneurs based in the Netherlands. They will together invest around 420 million euros in the construction of 26 Enercon E-126 wind turbines on their lands. Development of the NOP Agrowind project started in 1994 and the construction process of the new phase started in spring 2013 with infrastructure works for roads and hardstands. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.
The financing of 26 wind turbines of NOP Agrowind will increase significantly wind energy supply in the region. In an average wind year the turbines of NOP Agrowind will be able to power approximately 180,000 households.