Axpo will develop, build and operate wind farms in Finland, it was announced today. Working from newly opened offices in Vaasa, Axpo’s renewables team will work closely with their origination colleagues in Helsinki.
Switzerland’s largest energy group Axpo marked the official start of its wind power activities in Finland with the opening of a new base for its dedicated renewables operations team. From their offices in the city of Vaasa - a major Nordic energy hub and home to the prestigious annual Energy Week event – Axpo will develop, build and operate wind farms throughout Finland.
Axpo plans to acquire development projects at any stage and of any size as well as initiating its own greenfield development activities. Headed by Managing Director Joakim Ingves, the wind power team aims to continue growing for the foreseeable future.
Managing director appointed for Finnish wind business
Making the announcement, Katja Stommel, Head of Division Wind at Axpo said, 'We are delighted to have Joakim Ingves on board as managing director of our new wind business in Finland. As an experienced and highly motivated leader, he will drive our activities in the very active and exciting Finnish market over the coming years, exploring new opportunities and identifying potential project partners.
'Joakim’s team will also work closely with Axpo's existing energy trading and origination branch in Helsinki to help establish and grow our business across the country.'
Strengthening Axpo’s wind ambitions
Finland offers excellent opportunities to help achieve Axpo's ambitious goals of expanding wind energy capacities over the coming decade. In total, Axpo aims to develop three gigawatts of wind energy by 2030, with today’s announcement marking a significant milestone in the development of wind energy in Finland.
Joakim Ingves explained, 'According to government plans, Finland aims to be climate-neutral by 2035. To achieve this, the construction of onshore wind power must be accelerated. Axpo is keen to contribute to this goal. We have already had positive preliminary discussions with a number of interested landowners and communities.'
French wind market leader
Through its wholly owned subsidiary Volkswind, Axpo has developed more than 80 wind farms in Germany and France with a total installed capacity of over 1,470 MW. In France, Axpo is one of the leading companies in the development and construction of wind farms.
Source: Axpo
