Gothenburg Port Authority has taken a step towards greener operations by purchasing a 5% stake in Eolus's Västvind offshore wind farm in Sweden. The unbuilt 1GW project is expected to be operational by 2029 and the port authority has set aside SEK 15m to cover the acquisition and partial financing of the project costs.
The transaction will allow the port group to have access to a reliable supply of green electricity as it looks to decarbonize its operations. The move is part of the port of Gothenburg's overall strategy to lead the green transition of maritime traffic and ensure its competitiveness in the long run.
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According to Gothenburg Port Authority CEO Elvir Dzanic, “Access to green electricity will be entirely crucial for the port's development and competitiveness. Investing in electricity production is therefore a strategic decision for us.”
Eolus will maintain the majority of the ownership, with a 95% stake in the project. However, the involvement of the port authority is seen as a significant development in the growth of the project.
Eolus CEO Per Witalisson acknowledged the importance of the project for the region, saying “Regional renewable electricity generation is an integral and necessary part of the green transition in both the transportation sector and industry in western Sweden. It is therefore both natural and strategically important that the Port of Gothenburg is part of Västvind.”
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The purchase of a stake in the Västvind project is a significant step for Gothenburg Port Authority as it looks to transition towards more sustainable operations. With the project set to be operational by 2029, it is a clear indication of the port authority's commitment to decarbonizing its operations and leading the way in green maritime traffic.
