370 MW wind farm reaches operation phase in Belgium 

The 370 MW Norther offshore wind farm has officially transitioned to its operational phase as it reached technical completion. The farm, comprised of 44 x 8.4 MW MHI Vestas V164 turbines is located in the North Sea, approximately 23 kilometers from the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium.

The project commenced early operations in the spring of 2019. With construction works finalized in late March of this year, the project was able to reach technical completion and to start commercial operations. Norther offshore wind farm provides clean energy close to 400,000 Belgian households.

Amid COVID-19 and the related restrictions, the project has brought its debt package in line with the current status and the market conditions. The debt package was provided by a consortium consisting of the European Investment Bank, the Danish export credit agency EKF and 9 commercial lenders - ABN AMRO, Belfius, BNP Paribas, Rabobank, Nippon Life, SMBC, SMTB, Société Générale, and La Banque Postale, all existing lenders to the project.

As the largest operational wind farm in Belgium, Norther represents a significant addition to the country’s offshore wind installed capacity and contribution towards the Belgian 2020 renewable energy targets, demonstrating the commitment of the investors, lenders and the federal government towards sustainability.

Norther is a project company owned by Elicio NV, Eneco Wind Belgium SA and Diamond Generating Europe BV (fully owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation).

Green Giraffe acted as a financial advisor to Norther. Loyens & Loeff acted as legal advisor to Norther throughout the process and Jones Day acted as lenders' counsel.