Utrecht, Monday 8 October 2007 - Dutch pensionfunds ABP and PGGM are setting an example through their participation in the new Ampère Equity Fund. Together with other partners such as Delta Lloyd and Rabobank, they will invest up to half a billion Euros in dozens of sustainable energy projects.

The projects include wind parks on land and at sea and biomass power stations in various Western European countries. The development, construction and operation of these projects will be financed by the fund. Evelop, the sustainable project developer of Econcern, will realise the vast majority of these projects. At present Evelop is supervising the creation of the ‘Koegorspolder’ wind park in the province of Zeeland, one of the largest wind-power sites in the Netherlands. ‘Koegorspolder’ is expected to be the first project to be financed by the Ampère Fund.

All projects financed by the fund are expected to generate both a long-term predictable cash flow and an attractive yield on investment. In comparison with conventional power stations, these sustainable power stations reduce CO2 emissions by 1,500,000 tons per year.

The Ampère Fund was developed out of the need for a suitable source of finance for the existing Evelop project portfolio. Evelop has worked with ABP and PGGM for more than a year to create a costom made financial and legal construction for the Fund. The investment criteria are set out in a ‘mandate.’ If a project meets the conditions, the Fund will invest in it, in the form of taking an equity stock. The independent management of the Ampère Fund has been delegated to Triodos Bank because of its longstanding expertise in sustainable energy financing.

Dennis Lange, the Managing Director of Evelop International, says: “We consider ourselves fortunate with the Ampère Fund. Together with KPMG Corporate Finance we have developed a model for this fund that enables us to reach a decision about new projects very quickly. That speed will give us an enormous advantage in the market. Our objective for the next few years is to develop and implement 4000 to 5000 megawatts of sustainable energy. That represents green energy for 4 to 5 million European households. The work of the Ampère Fund will enable us to keep moving forward for some considerable time.

Roderick Munsters, the CIO at ABP, says: “Our investments in large-scale, sustainable energy projects are a good match with a series of other investments – in micro-credit, clean technology, sustainable forestry in Mozambique and in the Climate Change Capital Carbon II Fund. These investments yield good stable returns for the participants in our pension fund. Moreover, with these investments we are contributing to human well-being and the environment in the long term. So we are very proud on Evelop’s truly sustainable initiative.”

Else Bos, CEO Investments PGGM, comments: “This investment in clean energy is very appropriate for us. It complements PGGM’s long-term sustainable investments. By investing in sustainable forestry, cleaner air and cleaner energy we are working hard to offer our customers a good, reliable, ethical pension. So we are very happy to have established this initiative, together with ABP and Evelop. It’s a good example, which shows that financial and environmental bottom lines are compatible.”

Peter Blom, Chairman of the Board at Triodos Bank, says: “Naturally we are proud to be entrusted with managing this institutional investment fund for these well-known actors. We see this task as recognition for our 25 years of experience in financing sustainable energy projects. In addition to the 150 small and medium-size sustainable energy projects that we have in our portfolio, this fund now offers us access to the financing of Evelop’s large-scale projects. Partnership with big pension funds such as ABP and PGGM is a milestone for the development of sustainable energy in Europe.”

About the partners

Evelop International BV (www.evelop.com)
Evelop is a major European player in project development for the sustainable energy sector. In addition to wind parks, biomass power stations, solar energy and sea water air conditioning projects, Evelop also develops zero-energy homes, utility buildings and energy infrastructures.

Evelop is part of the Econcern group, one of Europe’s 500 fastest growing companies. Its mission is to ensure a sustainable energy supply for everyone.

ABP
The ABP pension fund is the general pension fund for public employees in the Netherlands. ABP has 2.7 million clients and assets under management of over € 215 billion (as per 29 June 2007). This makes ABP one of the three biggest pension funds in the world.

PGGM
PGGM is responsible for the pension scheme for more than two million current and former employees in the health and social care sector. Its invested funds amount to more than € 85 billion.
Triodos Bank
Triodos Bank has always been, and remains, about transparency and the realisation of social, environmental and cultural objectives in day-to-day banking. This integrated approach has been fundamental to the Bank since it was established in 1980. Triodos Bank has been a pioneer and still is a leading innovator in sustainable banking. Today, Triodos Bank has offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Spain. The bank manages around twenty sustainable investment funds.