Photo: Eurowind Energy
Denmark-based Eurowind Energy signed a 12-year virtual power purchase agreement (PPA) with Autoliv in Romania, for the supply of electricity from the Pecineaga wind park. The automotive manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm also signed one such deal for a solar park in Finland.
The strongest wind turbines in Romania will generate electricity for Autoliv, which makes safety systems for vehicles including airbags and seatbelts, as well as steering wheels and other components. Eurowind Energy will supply the energy from its Pecineaga wind power plant for 12 years under a virtual PPA. In addition, the Swedish automotive manufacturer has another new contract in Finland.
Eurowind Energy recently completed the construction of all eight SG 6.6-170 turbines at the site in Northern Dobruja (Dobrogea in Romanian). However, the 48 MW wind farm is expected to become operational by 2027, according to an update from Autoliv.
PPAs essential for project development for Eurowind Energy
Estimated annual output is 176 GWh, equivalent to the electricity needs of 48,000 Romanian households. The investment is worth EUR 79 million. Eurowind Energy, based in Hobro, Denmark, is one of the biggest wind and solar power developers in Romania.
The company is also a partner in the construction of a giant photovoltaic plant in Bulgaria. The Tenevo facility is planned to be combined with a future wind park and a battery energy storage system into a hybrid power plant.
“PPAs are essential in developing new energy parks. Power purchase agreements with large, ambitious companies like Autoliv ensure the continuous development of new parks and a cleaner future for all of us,” Commercial Director Jesper Schaumburg-Düring said. Eurowind Energy is 50% owned by EWE Holding while Norlys Holding controls the other half.
Autoliv is combining wind with solar in different countries to optimize electricity production
Autoliv’s other new virtual PPA, also for 12 years, is with Alight, for a proposed solar power plant of 100 MW in peak capacity. The two deals are important for ensuring a consistent and reasonably priced energy supply for the manufacturer’s activities in Europe, reducing the risks associated with potential future energy price fluctuations, the announcement reads.
“The innovative approach of combining solar and wind technologies ensures optimal energy generation during both day and night. This approach and the fact that the facilities are located in two different European countries provides flexibility in Autoliv’s physical operations and electricity procurement,” the company added.
The PV park in Eurajoki, Finland is supposed to come online in 2026. Autoliv revealed that it intends to “contract a majority of the clean electricity produced.” Construction is set to start during the spring, the statement adds.
It is the largest solar PPA in Finland so far, according to Alight.
“Through these initiatives, we support our ability to supply customers seeking sustainable products and we take a significant step forward in achieving our climate targets for the European operations,” said Autoliv Europe’s President Magnus Jarlegren. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality in own operations by 2030 and net zero emissions across the supply chain by 2040.
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