Start of construction Vopak Solar Park Eemshaven
Eemshaven, the Netherlands, 17 December 2020
Vopak Solar Park Eemshaven is starting construction of its solar park located in Eemshaven in the province of Groningen. The new solar park will have a capacity of approximately
25 megawatts, which equates to an average consumption of approximately 8,000 Dutch households. The subsidy and permit processes as well as the financing have been successfully completed.
The solar park will be built on 19 hectares of land around the Vopak Terminal Eemshaven and construction on the site will start in the first quarter of 2021. According to the current planning, the first green power will be supplied to the electricity grid in the third quarter of 2021.
Timo Spaninks, Managing Director at Vopak: "This project fits well within Vopak's ambition to work with partners to develop infrastructure solutions for facilitating sustainable energy. It also enables us to gain more knowledge and experience with electricity as an energy carrier."
"This solar park is a wonderful collaboration between the parties involved. And our participation also safeguards the local character of the project. We are also pleased that companies such as Vopak and Whitehelm are investing in sustainable energy in our region, especially in these times. Locally produced green energy is of great importance to us in making the port area more sustainable and thus helping the energy transition forward. This is also reflected in companies that want to establish themselves here, precisely because of the availability of sustainable energy ”, says Cas König, CEO of Groningen Seaports.
Wessel Schevernels, Chairman of Vopak Terminal Eemshaven and Senior Investment Director at Whitehelm: “Whitehelm is delighted to be able to make a sustainable contribution to Dutch energy security and the transition towards climate-neutral power production. In addition to our investment in Vopak Terminal Eemshaven we look forward to once again partner with Vopak and Groningen Seaports. The development of Vopak Solar Park Eemshaven fits perfectly in our policy of being a long-term partner, with respect for both local needs and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Vopak Solar Park Eemshaven is a joint venture with the parties Groningen Seaports, Vopak and funds managed by Whitehelm Capital. The first plans for this solar park were announced in February 2019.
Profile Whitehelm Capital
Whitehelm Capital is one of the world's most experienced independently-owned infrastructure managers. With an outstanding track-record spanning over 22 years, Whitehelm has invested €6.7 billion, with over €6.9 billion returned to investors and €3.4 billion in assets currently under management. Whitehelm Capital has achieved strong returns across multiple market cycles, with an exceptional record of capital preservation. Whitehelm Capital offers investment capabilities across unlisted infrastructure, listed infrastructure, infrastructure debt, and advisory. www.whitehelmcapital.com
Profile Groningen Seaports
Groningen Seaports is the entrepreneur, developer and authority for the port of Delfzijl, Eemshaven and the adjacent business parks. The organization provides the complete package of port services to its industrial and commercial customers, from logistics and infrastructure to allocation and maintenance of the sites in both port regions. In addition to the two excellently equipped ports, Groningen Seaports manages the business parks around the ports and in other areas in the Eemsdelta. www.groningen-seaports.com
Profile Vopak
Royal Vopak is the world’s leading independent tank storage company. We store vital products with care. With over 400 years of history and a focus on sustainability, we ensure safe, clean and efficient storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases for our customers. By doing so, we enable the delivery of products that are vital to our economy and daily lives, ranging from chemicals, oils, gases and LNG to biofuels and vegoils. We are determined to develop key infrastructure solutions for the world’s changing energy systems, while simultaneously investing in digitalization and innovation. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.vopak.com
For more information:
Whitehelm Capital
Graham Matthews, Chief Executive
Telephone +44 207 183 6120, Email: graham.matthews@whitehelmcapital.com
Vopak Terminal Eemshaven
Wessel Schevernels, Chairman
Telephone +44 207 183 6120, email: wessel.schevernels@whitehelmcapital.com
Vopak - Press
Liesbeth Lans, Manager External Communication
Telephone: +31 (0) 10 4002777, e-mail: global.communication@vopak.com
Vopak - Analysts and investors
Laurens de Graaf, Head of Investor Relations
Telephone: +31 (0) 10 400 2776, e-mail: investor.relations@vopak.com
Groningen Seaports
Leo Wassing, Communication
Telephone: + 31 (0) 6 23 59 44 94, email: L.Wassing@groningen-seaports.com