Whitehelm Capital, Groningen Seaports and Royal Vopak today announce their intention to jointly invest in a 27 MW solar park. The solar photovoltaic field will be one of the largest currently in the Netherlands.
The new solar park will be situated on 19 ha of land adjacent to Vopak Terminal Eemshaven, land which is currently already leased by the terminal. The produced green electricity will be made available for local use in Groningen, Vopak terminals and the general electricity market.
Based on the available energy infrastructure, Groningen and especially Eemshaven are considered strategic locations for production and storage of renewable energy in the Netherlands. This project will give Whitehelm, Groningen Seaports and Vopak the opportunity to explore further new energy initiatives in Eemshaven.
Wessel Schevernels, Chairman of Vopak Terminal Eemshaven and Senior Investment Director at Whitehelm said: "Whitehelm is delighted to be working with our world-class partners Vopak and Groningen Seaports to deliver sustainable investment opportunities for our investors. Whitehelm has a deep commitment to Responsible Investing and this new solar park continues our strategy of investing in core, long-term infrastructure. Especially the combination of sustainable power generation and long-term storage of strategic stocks provides a critical contribution to the Dutch energy-mix and supports its transition to a low-carbon economy."
Groningen Seaports is very pleased with this green expansion of existing Vopak Terminal Eemshaven activities. According to Cas König, CEO of Groningen Seaports: "This park contributes to the sustainability of the port and the reduction of CO2 emissions. For us, locally generated green electricity is of eminent importance as a location requirement for both current and future business activities. We increasingly see that providing renewable energy determines if a company chooses our ports as their location."
Ramon Ernst, Managing Director Vopak North Netherlands "We are very motivated to make this solar park a success. This project fits perfectly with Vopak's ambition for developing infrastructure solutions for a low-carbon energy future. This project allows us to accumulate knowledge and experience with electricity as a carrier of energy and gives us the opportunity to explore possible add-on applications like electricity storage and conversion for a later stage in Eemshaven. "
The final investment decision after receipt of relevant permits and subsidies is envisaged for the autumn of 2019. The Vopak solar park is expected to be operational in 2020.
Vopak Terminal Eemshaven is a joint venture between funds managed by Whitehelm Capital and Royal Vopak.
Profile Groningen Seaports
Groningen Seaports is the economic operator, developer and authority for the port of Delfzijl, Eemshaven and the adjoining industrial sites. The organisation provides the complete package of port services to its industrial and commercial clients, from logistics and infrastructure services to the issue and maintenance of the sites in both port regions. As well as the two excellently equipped ports, Groningen Seaports manages the industrial sites around the ports and at other areas in the Eemsdelta.
Profile Vopak
Royal Vopak is the world's leading independent tank storage company. We operate a global network of terminals located at strategic locations along major trade routes. With over 400 years of history and a strong focus on safety and sustainability, we ensure safe, efficient and clean 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 oil, chemicals, gases and LNG to biofuels and vegoils. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Including our joint ventures and associates, we employ an international workforce of over 5,700 people.
Profile Whitehelm Capital
Whitehelm Capital is one of the world's most experienced independently-owned infrastructure managers. With an outstanding track-record spanning over 20 years, Whitehelm has invested €6.0 billion, with over €5.0 billion returned to investors and €3.0 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
For further information please contact:
Whitehelm Capital
Graham Matthews, Chief Executive
Telephone +44 207 183 6120, e-mail: graham.matthews@whitehelmcapital.com
Vopak Terminal Eemshaven
Wessel Schevernels, Chairman
Telephone +44 207 183 6120, e-mail: 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
Marie-Lou Gregoire, Press Officer
Telephone +31 (0)6 20430070, +31 (0)596 640 400
