Globeleq invests in Nicaragua’s wind energy sector

April 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Globeleq Generation Limited (Globeleq), an emerging markets power generation company, announced the acquisition of the 44 MW Eolo wind turbines project in Nicaragua, further establishing itself as the leading renewable energy company in the Central American region.

Through Globeleq's majority owned subsidiary, Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy (Wind) Limited (GME Wind), the company has purchased 100 percent of the interest in Eolo Nicaragua S.A., which has been developing the project.

Eolo is located in the department of Rivas on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, about 125 kms south of the capital Managua. Using 22 x 2.0 MW Gamesa G90 wind turbine generators, electricity will be sold through two 20-year PPAs to the privately owned Distribuidora Electricidad de Sur S.A. (DISSUR) and Distribuidora Electricidad de Norte S.A. (DISNORTE), both subsidiaries of Gas Natural of Spain. Eolo will also construct a new substation and interconnection lines to enable connection to the national grid. Project debt financing is provided by the Netherlands Development Finance Company, which also acted as the lead arranger; Proparco, the private sector investment arm of the French development body Agence Francaise de Developpement; and DEG, the German investment and development company.

“The addition of another quality renewable wind project enhances our position as the leading wind power producer in Central America”, mentioned Mikael Karlsson, Globeleq's CEO, making reference to its operating wind farms in Costa Rica and Honduras, adding that “the Eolo project enables us to harness a natural and clean resource which will have significant and long term economic and environmental benefits for Nicaragua”. Eolo is in the final stages of its submission as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol which will enable it to earn carbon credits to sell into the international carbon trading markets.

Jay Gallegos, General Manager and Legal Representative for GME Wind commented that the company’s “renewable energy experience in the region is unparalleled and this will ensure a successful and efficient completion of the Eolo project. Civil construction works such as land clearing and road work have already begun and we anticipate testing and operation of the turbines will be complete by the beginning of 2013”. Land rights, environmental and local construction permits have already been obtained. GME Wind will communicate regularly with all stakeholders on the progress of the project.

Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy (Wind) Limited (GME Wind) is a company dedicated to the development, construction and operation of the Eolo wind project in Nicaragua. It receives support from its shareholders, Globeleq Generation Limited and Mesoamerica Power.