The Swedish wind energy company IOWN Energy has entered into an agreement with Hydro's renewable initiative Hydro Rein to form a partnership and sell 80 percent of a portfolio consisting of 25 wind power projects under development in Sweden and Norway. The projects have a potential installed capacity of 2.4 GW.
The portfolio consists of 23 projects in Sweden and two in Norway, spread across electricity price areas SE2, SE3, SE4 and NO2. Under the terms of the agreement, Hydro Rein and IOWN will commence a long-term partnership to co-develop these projects, with ownership split 80 percent to Hydro Rein and 20 percent to IOWN.
The projects are in the early phase of the development cycle, with a significant number of land lease agreements already signed. Hydro Rein and IOWN will work together to advance the development of the projects, in close dialogue with host municipalities, landowners, and local communities. The two partners have an ambition to make the first investments before 2030.
“We are convinced that the extensive electrification of society ahead of us requires strong collaborations between various actors contributing their expertise to the projects. Hydro Rein has an ownership perspective that we value and share. Hydro Rein’s strong connection to power intensive industries, combined with IOWN’s expertise in land based, wind power project development, is an alliance for the future of renewable power production. We at IOWN are very proud and pleased to collaborate with Hydro Rein.” - Richard Larsson, Head of IOWN in the Nordics.
“We are pleased to join forces with IOWN and secure a large portfolio of wind power projects in Sweden and Norway. The transaction is in line with Hydro Rein’s strategy of focusing on early phase projects in our core markets. IOWN has a competent team with extensive experience from wind power development in the Nordics, which will complement Hydro Rein well.” - Olivier Girardot, Head of Hydro Rein.
“With its long history and experience as a power producer, along with a strong focus on sustainability and local anchoring, Hydro Rein will become a perfect partner for IOWN during both development, construction, and operation.” - Gustav Grumert, Head of Projects for IOWN in the Nordics.
Helping industries decarbonize
These projects have a potential annual production of up to 7.6 TWh, contributing significantly to decarbonizing the industry and improving the power balance in Sweden and Norway.
“The industry needs more power. With this project portfolio, Hydro Rein will contribute to the electrification of existing industry as well as the development of new green industries, both in Sweden and Norway. We are strengthening our role as a leading supplier of renewable energy solutions for more sustainable industries.” - Olivier Girardot.
Sweden and Norway both recognize the need for new, renewable energy sources. Sweden aims for 100 percent of its electricity to be entirely sourced from fossil free sources by 2040. Similarly, Norway’s Energy Commission has recommended a target of 40 TWh of new power production by 2030.
Hydro Rein is currently developing 1,050 MW of renewable energy projects in Sweden. Stor-Skälsjön, a 260 MW project developed jointly by Hydro Rein and Eolus, is nearing completion and preparing to enter the operations phase. In Norway, Hydro Rein has a renewable energy portfolio of about 700 MW.
IOWN runs businesses in the Nordics and the U.S. with extensive project development, construction, and management of renewable energy projects that include large-scale and land-based wind power, solar power, and energy storage in batteries.
Sustainability and local involvement
Hydro Rein and IOWN are committed to sustainable development practices, prioritizing minimal impact on nature and aiming for zero net-loss of vulnerable ecosystems. This commitment extends to careful project planning, biodiversity consideration, and landscape integration, alongside restoration efforts where impacts are unavoidable.
The companies emphasize strong dialogue with municipalities and local communities throughout the development process, aspiring to be long-term owners of the projects.
About IOWN Energy
IOWN is a Swedish-owned corporate group in renewable energy with operations in the USA, Sweden, and Norway. By linking development expertise and financing with renewable energy projects, alliances are built between landowners, project developers, investors, and local communities. IOWN works with wind power, solar power, and energy storage. IOWN Energy
About Hydro Rein
Hydro Rein is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions to industrials, established by the global renewable energy and aluminium company Hydro in 2021. Hydro Rein has a diversified portfolio of more than 40 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under development in core markets in the Nordics and Brazil. Hydro Rein