GNG Wind Volyn 2

pending

IFC, jointly with a group of other lenders, is considering a loan to support the Volyn Wind II Project within the Volyn region of Ukraine (“the Project”). The Project consists of the construction and operation of a wind power plant (WPP) with a total installed capacity of up to 188.8 MW, located in the western part of Ukraine. The facility comprises two adjacent WPPs, developed by two special purpose vehicles (SPVs): Volyn West Wind-2 LLC (94.4 MW) and Volyn West Wind-3 LLC (94.4 MW) (collectively known as “the Borrower”). Both SPVs are owned by VI.AN Holding, which is part of OKKO Group AG (https://www.okko-group.com.ua/en/). While the SPVs are distinct for technical grid connection purposes, the Project is being implemented as a single, integrated development.The Project sponsor is GNG Retail Limited (“the Sponsor”), a Cyprus-based holding company for Concern Galnaftogaz JSC, an independent Ukrainian fuel distribution company operating a network of filling stations under the “OKKO” brand. The Sponsor also forms part of OKKO Group AG .The Project infrastructure includes 32 wind turbine generators (WTGs), split evenly with 16 turbines per SPV. The turbines will utilize advanced models (Nordex Energy N163/5.9 TS125-06) with capacities of 5.9 MW each, hub height of 125 m and a rotor diameter of 163 m. Key Project components include: 32 units accessible via newly constructed and existing earth roads, which will be widened or gravelled where necessary; approximately 80 km of 35 kV underground cables connecting the turbines to a central collection substation; a new internal 110/35 kV substation; a 110 kV transmission line connecting the internal substation to the national grid. This line consists of approximately 40 km of overhead transmission line (OHTL) and a 650 m underground section leading to the grid connection point operated by the Transmission System Operator (TSO).Preparatory works and procurement commenced in Q4 2025. Civil works (roads and foundations) and electrical infrastructure works (cables, substation, and OHTL) will proceed throughout 2026 and early 2027. The transportation and installation of WTGs is scheduled to begin in Q3 2026, with overall construction completion expected in Q4 2027. The Project is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2027 and will have a lifespan of 25 years.The Project is located in a predominantly rural community where agriculture is the main economic activity. The land required for the Project is designated for energy-related use and has been either fully acquired or secured through voluntarily negotiated, long-term lease and easement agreements with landowners. No physical resettlement of households is required.All wind turbines are located at least 700 m from the nearest homes, which helps limit potential effects related to noise and shadow flicker.No archaeological sites or cultural heritage monuments have been identified within the construction area. However, in the unlikely event that archaeological finds are discovered during earthworks, a Chance Find Procedure will be applied to manage such situations in coordination with the relevant authorities.The project is situated in the Central European mixed forests ecoregion of the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. The WPP site, and its associated OHTL are located in a human-modified landscape, dominated by crop agriculture and wood patches. All project infrastructure is sited within Modified Habitat, per IFC definition. Neither the WPP nor its associated OHTL overlap with Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) or Legally Protected Areas (LPA). The project will be developed and operated under a multi-contract scheme, executed by international and Ukrainian contractors. An independent environmental and social consultant (IESC) will be engaged on behalf of the lenders to monitor project development during the construction and initial operational phase.