DLA Piper advises Autoliv on climate target progress through 148MW combined Virtual Power Purchase Agreements

A cross-border DLA Piper energy transition team has advised Autoliv on entering into two Virtual Power Purchase Agreements with the two renewable electricity producers, Alight and Eurowind Energy.

The agreements secure renewable electricity supply in the long term, with contracts spanning 12 years from 2027-2039. The innovative approach of combining solar and wind technologies ensures optimal energy generation during both day and night. This approach and the fact that the facilities are in two different European countries provides flexibility in Autoliv’s physical operations and electricity procurement.

The Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Alight enables the construction of a 100 MWp solar park in Eurajoki, Finland, which is projected to produce 100 GWh annually (equivalent to the electricity needs of approximately 20,000 households). When operational in 2026, Autoliv will contract most of the clean electricity produced to secure a long-term supply at a stable, low price. Construction is set to begin this spring.

The Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Eurowind Energy involves another 12-year contract for clean electricity from a 48 MW wind park in Romania. Upon completion, the Pecineaga Wind Park will generate approximately 176 GWh annually. The park is expected to be operational by 2027.

Natasha Luther-Jones, partner and Global Co-Chair Energy & Natural Resources at DLA Piper, comments: "Congratulations to the team at Autoliv, on this significant step towards realising its ambitious carbon and renewables goals. We continue to see leading global entities looking to VPPAs as a productive solution to achieving their energy ambitions in an effective and meaningful way, contributing towards new infrastructure, and new energy generation."

The international DLA Piper team, led by Natasha Luther-Jones (Leeds/London, UK) and senior associate Emma Whitfield (Leeds, UK), comprised associate Joshua Walker (Leeds, UK) and Katie Brown (Trainee Solicitor, Leeds), supported in Romania by Paula Corban (Partner, Romania), Teodor Sabau (Managing Associate, Romania) and Georgiana Stan (Counsel, Romania) and in Finland by Antti Niemi (Partner, Finland), and Panu Punkari (Finland).