EIB Evaluates EUR 335 Million Loan for Belgian Wind Farm

The European Investment Bank is currently evaluating a loan of up to EUR 335 million for a wind project off the Belgian coast.

Northwind NV, formerly known as the Eldepasco, is planning to build a wind farm with a capacity of 216 MW, situated 37 km off the coast. It will occupy an area of approximately 14.5 km², with a water depth between 16 and 32 meters.

The project aims to assist Belgium in meeting the EU and national targets for 20% energy generated from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Total estimated cost of the proposed wind farm on the Bank Zonder Naam off the coast of Zeebrugge in Belgium is around EUR 860 million.

Northwind NV is the joint venture between the two Belgian companies Colruyt Group (66.7%) and Aspivari (33.3%).

The construction is expected to begin next year.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND  Staff, March 22, 2012