30 Dec 2009

NIB loan to Danish Vestas backs wind turbine innovation

NIB and Danish Vestas Wind Systems A/S have signed a new five-year loan agreement totalling EUR 30 million for financing Vestas’ R&D programme.

The loan is being allocated for developing a new type of a 3 MW wind turbine for low and medium wind regimes. The R&D programme is focused on improving the design of the blades and nacelle, as well as on adjusting the cooling system and load-optimised operation of the wind turbine. These measures are expected to increase the turbine’s reliability, reduce its own energy consumption and increase the output capacity.

“This innovative project of developing a new type of a wind turbine contributes to an efficient and less costly production of wind energy, thus reducing the need for fossil-based energy production. Innovation is also one of the most important ways of raising productivity in an advanced economy and, hence, its competitiveness,” says Johnny Åkerholm, NIB President and CEO.

Vestas is the world’s largest producer of wind turbines. The company designs wind turbine parks for all wind conditions and Vestas-produced turbines have been installed in 62 countries worldwide.

The Nordic Investment Bank is the common international financial institution of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. NIB provides long-term financing to the energy, environmental, transport, logistics and communications, and innovation sectors for projects that strengthen competitiveness and enhance the environment. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s

For further information, please contact

Stefán Jón Fridriksson, Senior Manager Origination, at +358 10 618 0512,

Related resources

22 Dec 2009

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

EUR 30 million