The Dutch Province of Friesland and the developers of the 320MW Friesland offshore wind farm (Windpark Fryslân) have signed a cooperation agreement which will allow the province to invest EUR 127 million in the project.
This is the first time a Dutch province is participating directly in the development of a wind farm. The investment allows the Province of Friesland to control a minority stake in the project.
The funds will be transferred once the developers secure the funding for the entire project and the construction works start, which is expected in the second half of 2018.
The cooperation agreement is a follow-up to a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties in November 2016.
The Province had already indirectly invested EUR 7 million in the project through its subsidiary Funs Skjinne Fryske Enerzjy (FSFE).
The wind farm is being developed by Ventolines BV on behalf of Windpark Friesland BV. It is located in the Frisian part of the IJsselmeer lake and will comprise 89 turbines.
The wind farm is expected to produce its first power in 2021.