2001: France becomes the first foreign market – a partnership with Ventura SA

PNE embarked on its targeted internationalisation strategy in 2001 by acquiring an 80 per cent stake in the French project management company Ventura SA. Ventura brought management experience and 13 secured wind farm sites to the partnership. Five other projects were also taken on, making France the first foreign market for PNE – a strategically important step in a market that was just starting to open up. 

The subsidiary Ventura SA was responsible for the ongoing development of the projects. Its services ranged from selecting sites and conducting environmental impact studies to handling approval procedures, financing projects and handing over turnkey installations to investors. The project volume ran to around 240 megawatts, which equated to a sales potential of around 270 million euros. 

PNE’s international strategy followed clearly defined principles, with investments made solely in countries with stable political and economic environments and good natural conditions. France met these requirements and offered attractive prospects for the expansion of wind energy with its new subsidy policy.