Facebook to add 294 MW of new wind capacity to Nordic grid

Facebook and European asset manager Luxcara have entered into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 100% of the output and environmental (green) attributes of three contiguous wind projects (Gravdal, Skinansfjellet, and Eikeland-Steinsland) in southwest Norway.

The projects, known collectively as the Bjerkreim cluster, will consist of 70 wind turbines of 4.2 MW each and should reach commercial operation in Q4 2019. Facebook’s PPAs reportedly will provide the long-term financial certainty needed for the projects, which comprise an aggregate investment exceeding 400 million Euros, to be financed, constructed, and operated by Luxcara. The 294 MW of capacity is projected to add more than 1,000,000 MW hours of new clean and renewable energy to the Nordic grid each year.

“We are very happy to have entered into an agreement with such a strong corporate partner. Facebook’s engagement gives proof to Luxcara’s commitment to making renewable energy the most attractive option in every regard for our partners,” said Dr. Alexandra von Bernstorff, managing partner of Luxcara.

Added Vince Van Son, Facebook’s commercial director for energy and infrastructure, “We are excited to partner with Luxcara on our largest European renewable energy solution to date. Facebook is committed to bringing new supplies of renewable energy to the electric grid not only to support our facilities, but to encourage the growth of clean and renewable resources.”

The projects are part of a portfolio of renewable energy assets for institutional investors managed by Luxcara. Once operational, Bjerkreim and Egersund reportedly will increase Luxcara’s wind-energy portfolio in Norway to more than 400 MW. The German asset manager and its regional business partners developed the projects in close cooperation with the local communities.