Nordex secures mega-corporate wind order for aluminium giant Alcoa

Nordex, the European company that designs, sells and manufactures wind turbines has secured an order for the 400 MW Øyfjellet wind farm in northern Norway from a un-famed German investment house linked to a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with metals group Alcoa.

Electricity generation from the mammoth wind farm will deliver energy for the aluminium giant's smelter plant in the nearby industrial town of Mosjøen, as well for the local community.

The Øyfjellet project was developed by Eolus Vind, one of the largest developers in the Nordics, and will feature 72 of the OEM’s N149/5.X turbines in the 5MW class on 105-metre steel towers.

Nordex Chief Sales Officer Patxi Landa said: “With Øyfjellet being such a large and prestigious project, we are delighted that our new customer, Eolus Vind, and the project owner, have decided to select Nordex and, in particular, the N149/5.X turbines.”

The Nordic countries with their below the level wind power production costs have led a trend towards more corporate wind power deals in Europe. Alcoa and Norwegian aluminium Norsk Hydro had already announced large PPAs previously.

The turbines for the project, located in the mountainous municipality of Vefsn which is characterised by strong wind conditions and a cold climate, will be configured with an anti-icing system.

The manufacturer’s technology and experience with challenging Nordic conditions have been a factor for choosing Nordex machines, according to Eolus chief executive Per Witalisson. “Together with Nordex and the investor we will supply the local industry and community with renewable electricity for decades.”