Sweden - IKEA invests in 90 MW of Vestas wind power

The deal testifies that carbon conscious companies such as IKEA increasingly achieve their financial objectives while at the same time reducing their carbon footprint and securing a sustainable energy supply.

Vestas has received an order for 30 units of the V90-3.0 MW wind turbine for the Glötesvålen project in the municipality of Härjedalen, Sweden.

The order is placed by Swedish developer and long standing Vestas customer, O2. Delivery and installation of the turbines is scheduled to be completed in January 2015. Whereas O2 will be responsible for the development, construction and operation of the wind farm, it will be owned by Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA.

The Glötesvålen project is IKEA’s largest, single investment in wind to date, bringing the company’s fleet of Vestas turbines to more than 115 MWs across Sweden, France, UK, and Denmark. It is IKEA’s goal to get all of its energy from renewable sources and the 30 Vestas turbines is a major step on that journey: When in operation in 2015, IKEA expects renewable energy to amount to 70-80 per cent of the Group’s global energy usage. In Sweden alone, the investment will make IKEA self-sufficient with electricity.

Carbon conscious companies-segment is long-term focus area for Vestas

The Glötesvålen project is yet another example of how carbon conscious companies are stepping up their active involvement in wind energy. Earlier this year, Vestas announced a 396 MW order in Mexico that will supply companies such as convenience store chain OXXO as well as Mexican Coca-Cola bottler FEMSA and the Mexican subsidiary of Heineken with electricity for their operations.

Today, sustainable behaviour not only reduces companies’ carbon footprint and secures energy supply but sends a powerful message to consumers increasingly concerned about the environment and the consequences of burning fossil fuels.

“While the world’s governments have done a lot for the wind industry, it is not enough. The world’s largest companies also need to take responsibility and help drive the change in the energy mix towards clean and reliable energy. As carbon conscious companies like IKEA pioneers the way, Vestas expects increased activity in this fast growing segment,” says Morten Albaek, Global Senior Vice President, Global MarCom & Customer Insights at Vestas Wind Systems A/S and responsible for the company’s strategy towards carbon conscious companies.

Vestas considers carbon conscious companies to be strategic partners in the continued deployment of renewable energy. As a consequence, Vestas has designated resources to better understand and meet the needs and requirements of this customer segment.

IKEA’s vision is to create a better everyday for the many people. IKEA offers well designed, functional home furnishing at low prices, integrates efforts for the environment in the daily business and continuously supports social initiatives. IKEA was founded 1943 and has 294 warehouses in 26 countries which annually is visited by 655 million people.

O2 develops, constructs, operates and sell wind power plants all over Sweden and is leading within onshore wind power. O2 has twenty years of experience within the industry and is responsible for a significant part of installed wind power in Sweden.

Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ more than 46,000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by approximately 55 million tons of CO2 every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence.

Today, Vestas has delivered wind energy in 69 countries, providing jobs for over 20,000 passionate people at our service and project sites, research facilities, factories and offices all over the world. With 66.9 per cent more megawatts installed than our closest competitor, Vestas is the world leader in wind energy.

The following websites provide interesting information:
- The Energy Transparency campaign: http://energytransparency.com/
- Corporate Renewable Energy Index: www.vestas.com/en/about-vestas/transparency/corporate-renewable-energy-index.aspx
- Global Consumer Wind Study: www.vestas.com/en/about-vestas/transparency/global-consumer-wind-study.aspx
- WindMade: www.windmade.org/

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