Equity investment: Balen wind farm

The Balen wind farm (Limburg) consists of two wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 4.7 MW. Together, they generate approximately 11 GWh of green electricity each year—equivalent to the annual consumption of around 3,000 households.

This project is a strong example of citizen participation through financial involvement via a regional energy cooperative. The regional energy cooperative CampinaEnergie invests in renewable energy production using capital brought together by its shareholders through the purchase of cooperative shares.

After the construction phase, CampinaEnergie invested in the wind farm’s equity and became a minority shareholder. Thanks to this partnership, citizens can directly invest in the energy transition within their own region.

Participation through a transparent and structured process:

1. Based on the project company’s business plan, the investment company decides whether or not to invest;
2. A shareholders’ agreement is drawn up, setting out clear terms and arrangements;
3. Shareholders are entitled to appoint directors to the board of the project company;
4. The investment is remunerated through dividends;
5. Dividends are distributed to shareholders on a pro‑rata basis, in line with their shareholding and the project’s financial results.

Key characteristics of equity investment:

• Active involvement of the shareholder;
• A tangible investment in a local and sustainable project;
• Higher risk profile and a more complex investment structure;
• Returns dependent on the project’s performance.