The contract for offshore wind at Sørlige Nordsjø II has been signed

Oslo, April 19, 2024

Today, Energy Minister Terje Aasland met with the leadership of Ventyr SN II, the company responsible for developing the first major offshore wind project on the Norwegian continental shelf. They celebrated the signing of the contract earlier this week.

“This marks a significant milestone in Norway’s commitment to renewable energy. I firmly believe that Sørlige Nordsjø II can be a catalyst for achieving our ambitions in the offshore wind industry. This project also presents an opportunity for the Norwegian supply industry to play a central role in a new industrial era.” said Energy Minister Terje Aasland.

Ventyr SN II is jointly owned by Parkwind, part of the global renewable energy company, JERA Nex, and Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer. Parkwind brings extensive knowledge and expertise in developing, financing, constructing, and operating offshore wind farms in the European market. Ingka Investments contributes financial resources as part of its sustainability focus and transition towards renewable energy. The consortium also has a strategic partnership with NorSea Group, a Norwegian supplier company with extensive experience in ports and bases.

"Ventyr is excited to take the next step in the development of the Sørlige Nordsjø II project. Together, we are fully committed to drive positive change through innovation in renewable energy and bringing this project to fruition while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and to Norway as a whole. We are honoured to be part of Norway’s renewable energy future and contribute to its ambition to deliver 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2040." said François van Leeuw on behalf of Ventyr.

Background on the government’s offshore wind initiative:
The government has an ambition to award areas that has potential for 30,000 MW of offshore wind production by 2040. In 2020, the first areas on the Norwegian continental shelf were opened for offshore renewable energy production, and the authorities have since worked to further develop the regulatory framework in close cooperation with the industry and other users of the sea.

For media inquiries, please contact communication@parkwind.eu

About Parkwind

Parkwind is an integrated offshore wind business that develops, finances and operates offshore wind farms. Since July 2023, Parkwind has been operating as part of JERA Co., Inc. one of the largest power generational companies in the world. Together, Parkwind and JERA have more than a decade of experience and over 1,500 MW of offshore wind assets under operational management in Belgium, Germany, the UK, Taiwan, and Japan, in addition to an extensive pipeline of offshore wind projects in development around the world including in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Japan, France, Norway, Greece, and Australia/New Zealand.

Committed to making green energy available and affordable for everyone through its unique approach of covering the entire value chain of offshore wind, Parkwind has established itself as a reliable and competitive partner to communities, governments and suppliers globally.

Read more on www.parkwind.eu.

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations on 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com.

Ingka Group has so far invested and committed to invest 4 billion Euros in renewable energy projects. 45 windfarms and 12 solar farms are in operation across 16 countries, and another 3 wind farms, 2 solar farms and 1 battery storage project are under construction. In total 593 wind turbines are in operation or under construction. The current operational capacity is producing more than 4TWh per year.

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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.