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Energy

Accelerating the energy transition with targeted funding in the offshore wind industry

Approach

Direct investment

Date

April 19, 2024

Reading time

6 minutes

The energy transition is a major challenge for our society. The national and European targets set demand a significant increase in energy generated from renewable sources. An expansion of offshore wind energy is indispensable in this regard. Fred van Beers (CEO of Sif), Jeroen Junge, and Remco Westerbeek (both investment managers at Invest-NL) share insights into a collaboration in the offshore wind industry with a remarkable outcome: Invest-NL's first exit.

The Dutch Sif provides complete monopile foundation solutions for offshore wind turbines. There are various types of foundations available on the market for these wind turbines. The choice of foundation type depends on several factors such as water depth and the composition of the seabed. Monopiles are the most commonly used foundation for offshore wind turbines and offer the best value for money.

The demand for more and increasingly larger foundations in the market is evident. Fred explains:  
“Through the construction of the factory and the implementation of next-level integrated production technology with unparalleled process and quality controls, Sif will realise its vision and take a crucial step in securing the next phase of growth. As a result of this investment, we can strengthen our worldwide leading position as a provider of solutions for monopile foundations and enhance our innovative capabilities.”

They truly stepped into the breach during an uncertain time. A appropriate solution has been found for the missing funding in a short period. 


Fred van Beers

CEO Sif

We see the formation of this financing as a success for both parties. It provides a solid foundation for a potential new collaboration in the future.


Jeroen Junge

Senior Investment Manager Invest-NL

To accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, robust supply chains and implementation capacity are essential, according to Remco: “That is why Invest-NL considers it part of its role to, alongside investments in groundbreaking innovations, also ensure that suitable financing instruments are available for such projects. The investment in Sif is a prime example of this. Our stake in the investment was the final piece to enable third parties to access the remaining part of the total funding needed for the factory expansion. In the meantime, the legal-technical risks of the project have been mitigated to such an extent that our position has been refinanced.”

A great achievement according to Jeroen: “We see the creation of this financing as a success for both parties. It provides a solid foundation for a possible new collaboration in the future.” 

Questions about this investment? Jeroen is happy to help!

Jeroen Junge

sr. investment manager