Expansion with new renewable energies in Eastern Europe

With the takeover of the windpark developer Vetrocom, Alpiq has purchased its entry ticket into the Bulgarian market for new renewable energies. The company, which has been a subsidiary since spring, is currently building a windpark 200 kilometres to the east of Sofia that should be connected to the grid between 2010 and 2011.

Each of the 20 wind turbines generates 2.5 megawatts. This equates to an annual output of 167 GWh. As a comparison: In 2007 the wind turbines installed in Switzerland generated a total of 15.9 GWh.

100 new jobs in construction, installation and transport

Bulgaria presents ideal conditions for the expansion of wind energy. The constantly blowing wind has a potential for generating 2,200 megawatts. As a result of the planning and construction of the windpark project, around 100 permanent and temporary jobs have been created. Amongst others, in the building, electrical installation and transport sectors.

Bulgarian Government: "Alpiq's commitment is first rate"

On February 12, 2009, the Bulgarian Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy awarded the Alpiq subsidiary Vetrocom a "First Class Investor" Certificate. This honour is received solely by companies that commit themselves with an investment in excess of 70 million Bulgarian Lew (euro 36 million).

The share of renewable energy should increase

Alpiq intends to increase the share of renewable energies in its portfolio. At present the share of renewable energy generation in Bulgaria stands at five percent. The Bulgarian government shows a very positive attitude towards renewable energies – for example, through guaranteed purchase of all the electricity generated or through defined grid-feed prices for renewable energy generation.