London, 12 March 2009 -  Econcern, the dedicated sustainable energy solutions company, has entered the UK Crown Estate Round 3 (R3) offshore licensing process.

Econcern brings to the tender a strong track record in the development of large-scale offshore wind projects. Last year Econcern opened the Prinses Amaliawindpark, the largest offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. The 120MW wind farm can claim a number of world firsts; the first non-recourse financed offshore wind farm, the first wind farm located at such a distance from the shoreline (12 nautical miles) and the first to be located at such depths (between 60 and 80 feet). Opened in June 2008, the offshore wind farm has met all expectations for electricity production.

Econcern, with over 10 offshore wind farm projects in its portfolio, together with its partners was responsible for securing UK government consent for Scira offshore wind farm. The 315MW wind farm is planned to be built between 10 and 12 nautical miles off the English coast at Sheringham Shoal. Econcern’s next offshore wind farm project is the construction of Belwind (330MW), located 25 nautical miles off the coast of Belgium at a water depth of between 60 and 115 feet. 
 
The company's project development division Evelop, with UK offices in London and Sheffield, will be responsible for any R3 developments should Econcern’s tender bid be successful.  In the UK Evelop is currently developing a number of onshore wind projects. 

Frank Wouters, managing director for Evelop said: “We are a company dedicated solely to sustainable energy. We have experience throughout the process of offshore wind delivery – we have shown our ability to gain government consent, to finance major projects and to construct and operate innovative wind farms. The development of offshore wind is extremely important in helping the UK meet its climate change goals.”  

About Econcern
Econcern (www.econcern.com)
Econcern’s mission is ‘a sustainable energy supply for everyone’. Econcern consists of operating companies Ecofys, Evelop, Ecostream, Ecoventures and OneCarbon. Together they deliver unique projects, innovative products and services for a sustainable energy supply. Econcern, which employs over 1,200 professionals in more than 20 countries across the world, was ranked No. 234 in Business Week’s top 500 listing of high-growth companies in Europe and has won the ‘European Business of the Year Award 2008’.

For more information please contact:

Ellen Habermehl, Manager Communications Evelop

M:        0031(0)655 830295
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