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Acquisition of Parkwind successfully closed between JERA and Virya Energy

published on 26/07/2023

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JERA to accelerate renewables and offshore wind activities in Europe and across the world with the acquisition of Parkwind

Parkwind will be a cornerstone of JERA’s vision of becoming a leading energy provider with a focus on renewable energy sources.


Leuven, Belgium and Tokyo, Japan – July 26th, 2023. After the initial agreement announced in March 2023, JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) has successfully closed an acquisition of 100% of the shares of Parkwind NV (“Parkwind”) from Virya Energy. The transaction has been approved by competition and other regulatory authorities. This transaction marks a significant milestone for JERA and Parkwind and signals a strategic shift in the offshore wind power industry.

Today, Parkwind is Belgium’s largest offshore wind platform which operates 4 offshore wind projects in Belgium, totaling 771MW. The recent completion of Arcadis Ost 1 adds another 257MW in Germany’s Baltic Sea. The future development pipeline of Parkwind comprises more than 4.5GW and together with JERA’s complementary capabilities and financial support, Parkwind will continue to strengthen its global presence.

JERA’s acquisition of Parkwind comes at a time when the world is increasingly recognizing the importance of renewable energy sources and the urgent need to increase low-carbon and renewable energy sources. By adding Parkwind’s offshore projects to the existing portfolio of offshore wind projects in Taiwan and the United Kingdom, JERA will be able to increase its renewables capacity and potential to further diversify the existing renewable energy offerings. The acquisition aligns with JERA’s long-term vision to scale up its clean energy platform of renewables and low greenhouse gas thermal power, contributing to sustainable development around the world.

This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for Parkwind and its more than 130 employees to become an ever more important player in the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry on a global scale.

François Van Leeuw and Eric Antoons, co-CEO’s of Parkwind NV, express their enthusiasm and optimism for the future: “We are thrilled to welcome JERA as our new shareholder. With JERA’s worldwide expertise, resources and pipeline, we are confident that Parkwind’s portfolio will further expand across the borders. This partnership represents a significant milestone for our company and aligns perfectly with our long-term vision of creating a sustainable future powered by renewable energy. With the combined expertise and resources from both JERA and Parkwind, we are confident in our ability to accelerate our growth, expand our portfolio, and contribute even more to the global clean energy transition."

Nathalie Oosterlinck, Managing Executive Officer, Head of the Global Renewable Energy Division, JERA: “I am delighted to announce that we have successfully completed the acquisition of Parkwind. This marks a significant milestone in JERA's journey to achieve our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions to the world's energy issues. We are excited to welcome the talented team of Parkwind to the JERA family. Their strong track record and excellent in-house development and team capabilities will help us to grow our ambitions of scaling up our renewable capabilities globally. Together, we can leverage great talent, shared values and business culture. Parkwind fuels JERAs growth ambitions of scaling up our position as a global leader in the renewable energy sector.”

For existing partners of Parkwind, this announcement assures continuity and a strengthened commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable energy solutions. The transition is expected to be seamless, with no disruptions to ongoing projects, partnerships or services.

About Parkwind

Parkwind is an independent green energy company that develops, finances, and operates offshore wind farms. With more than a decade of experience and 771 MW under operational management in the Belgian North Sea, Parkwind is currently expanding internationally and has an active development pipeline of 4.5GW (net) across a number of European and other markets where it is working with a number of credible partners. Parkwind is also constructing the 257MW Arcadis Ost 1 project in Germany which expected to reach full operation in 2024. Committed to making green energy available and affordable for everyone through its unique approach covering the entire value chain of offshore wind, Parkwind has established itself as a reliable and competitive partner to communities, governments and suppliers globally. Composed of over 130 professionals operating in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Greece, Australia and New Zealand.

About JERA

Established in April 2015 with the aim of creating a globally competitive energy company in Japan based on a comprehensive alliance between Tokyo Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company, JERA is an energy company with global reach and strengths across the entire energy supply and value chain from participation in fuel upstream projects and procurement through fuel transportation and power generation with an increasing focus on renewable energy development and generation.

JERA’s mission is to provide cutting-edge solutions to the world's energy issues. Looking toward 2035, our corporate vision is to scale up its clean energy platform of renewables and low greenhouse gas thermal power (using alternative fuels), sparking sustainable development in Asia and around the world.

As Japan’s largest power company, JERA is in a position to proactively lead the way toward achieving a decarbonized society and JERA established its "JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050" objective in October 2020. With a current portfolio of over 2GW of operating renewables capacity, JERA has been actively investing in and developing renewables and offshore wind and is currently constructing and developing large scale onshore and offshore wind projects on a global scale; Formosa 2 offshore project in Taiwan, El Sauz onshore wind project in the USA, offshore wind development in Japan (including floating wind) and active renewables investments such as ReNew in India, Zenobe in the United Kingdom and GEC in Vietnam.

For JERA media inquiries please contact: Media.Relations@jera.co.jp

For Parkwind media inquiries please contact: communication@parkwind.eu

  • Starting as of today, Parkwind will operate as part of JERA Co., Inc.
  • The acquisition implies an equity value of approximately €1.55 billion
  • The strong track record of offshore pioneer Parkwind fuels JERAs growth ambitions of scaling up a clean energy platform, sparking sustainable development worldwide


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Maarten van der Horst

Head of Projects

Maarten joined Parkwind and more specifically the Oriel project team in early 2021. He brings 17 years of experience in the energy industry having worked at Engie's renewables arm first as an engineer, later as offshore specialist.

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Wim Verrept

IT Services Manager

He joined Parkwind in 2016 as risk manager, during the installation phase of Nobelwind. Since then his responsibilities have expanded to include IT and the QHSSE department. Before joining the company, he worked as a risk manager at large financial institution in Belgium.
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Ingrid Dony

HR Manager

Ingrid joined Parkwind in 2013 and manages the Human Resources department. Her expertise in corporate HR has created the foundations in Parkwind’s evolving and rapidly growing employee and consultant base. Her team manages everything from payroll to employee development and communications. She has been instrumental in preparing the organization for international expansion and the digitalization of numerous HR legal and administrative tools.

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Dirk Dewettinck

Head of R&D

At Parkwind since 2015 he manages the engineering resources involved in project development, design and construction. He was closely involved in the technical management of the Nobelwind and Northwester 2 projects. Prior to joining Parkwind, he was involved in other offshore wind projects, working for a major wind turbine supplier, and prior to that he worked for more than 15 years with major engineering contractors in projects around the world, mainly in the conventional power generation construction and services (steam, gas, nuclear).
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Clément Helbig de Balzac

Project Director Arcadis Ost 1

Joining Parkwind in 2011 as a project finance specialist and he was heavily involved in the financing and construction of Northwind and Nobelwind. Thereafter, as project finance manager, he led the financing process of Northwester 2 and the refinancing of three operational offshore wind farms of the Parkwind portfolio. He is also involved in business development projects for his expertise lies in financing processes, construction contract negotiation, contracting strategy and development and construction management.
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Edward Van Melkebeek

Head of Technology

Since joining Parkwind in 2018, he has been leading the Technology team responsible for leveraging Parkwind’s know-how in civil, electrical and WTG packages to development of new projects. The team also performs a supply chain role, managing technical aspects of project contracts. Previously, he has built extensive practical and managerial experience in the offshore construction business for over 22 years at a global leading dredging and offshore contractor strongly active in the offshore wind industry.
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Mathias Van Steenwinkel

Business Development Manager

He joined Parkwind in 2012 working on financial modelling, PPA negotiations and the overall financial close processes. Since 2016, he is heading the growing business development department playing a key role in the identification of new projects, global partnerships and tender preparations.
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Kristof Verlinden

O&M Manager

With Parkwind since 2010, he is responsible for the asset management and production management of all of Parkwind’s offshore operational assets. The O&M organization plays a pivotal role in project development incorporating strategic insight to ensure frictionless O&M operations from the moment of first production. The team also supplies external support services, is involved in numerous R&D initiatives with universities and wind farm performance analysis using state of the art data systems. Kristof joined Parkwind with an engineering background in international service support business and wind turbine driveline design validation.
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Pieter Marinus

General Counsel and Investment Relations Director

As a former Parkwind board member, he has been involved in the financial close and follow-up of every Parkwind project as well as in their acquisition and divestment processes. Prior to joining Parkwind’s management in 2017, he was also in charge of multiple other renewable energy investments and financings around Europe, notably as Investment Director at Korys.
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Peter Caluwaerts

Head of Engagement Management

After years of building extensive experience in large construction works, he started his career in offshore wind in 2010 by taking up the role of CLO of Parkwind, responsible for regulatory, legal and contracting matters for Belwind and Northwind windfarms. Since then, as Project Director, he’s led the Northwester 2 project completed in 2020 and is now responsible for Parkwind’s Irish projects Oriel and Clogherhead. He plays an instrumental role in organizing Parkwind’s international expansion and growth.
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Eric Antoons

co-CEO

Before joining the company in 2013, he worked for one of the largest power and gas suppliers in Belgium, in both operational and executive functions. Joining Parkwind in 2013 as COO, he supervised the construction of three wind farm projects and the considerable growth of O&M activities. Since becoming co-CEO in 2016, he has also developed Parkwind’s R&D activities to the forefront partnering with universities and several technology start-ups.
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François Van Leeuw

co-CEO

He joined Parkwind as CFO in 2009 and has been leading the financing and development of Parkwind's first wind farms. In his role he’s particularly involved in new business and partnership development for Parkwind globally. He is also serving as the chairman of the Belgian Offshore Platform, the non-profit association of investors and owners of Belgian wind farms.
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Paul Tummers

CFO

Arriving to Parkwind in 2019, after a broad career in energy and infrastructure, he has taken a leading role in Parkwind’s international expansion from both corporate finance and organizational restructuring.