Solar Power World’s Post

Quinbrook Secures Landmark Offtake Agreements with Tesco and Shell for UK’s Largest Solar Project, Cleve Hill Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager specializing in energy transition infrastructure, has signed two long-term offtake agreements with Tesco and Shell for 100% of the solar power generated at its Cleve Hill Solar Park. This 373MW solar project, along with 150MW of battery storage, is the largest of its kind ever built in the UK and is set to begin operations in early 2025. The 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tesco marks the largest solar corporate PPA in the UK to date, representing 65% of Cleve Hill’s expected solar generation.These agreements ensure long-term, index-linked revenues for Cleve Hill, […] Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dKjDS2hg #solarenergy #alternativeenergy #solarpv #pvsolar #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #cleantech #climatechange #europe #offtakeagreement #quinbrookinfrastructurepartners #renewableenergy #renewableenergy #shell #solarenergy #solarproject #tesco #unitedkingdom

Nuveen Infrastructure (fka Glennmont Partners from Nuveen) and SK eternix’s joint venture has signed a virtual PPA with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.,Ltd. involving solar PV projects in South Korea. Under the agreement, the Nuveen-SK eternix JV will sell 100% of the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated from its pipeline of solar PV projects once they are operational, with the period of sale lasting for 25 years. Nuveen Infrastructure noted that the PPA is expected to mark ‘the beginning a wider future cooperation’ between the joint venture and Hyundai E&C, which is the clean electricity trading company of Hyundai Motor Group. “We are pleased to announce this most recent success of Nuveen Infrastructure and eternix’s JV,” said Francesco Cacciabue, CFA, Global Head of Clean Energy Investments at Nuveen Infrastructure. “The PPA structure signed with Hyundai is an innovative agreement for the Korean market and one which secures absolute returns from our investment so far. “Nuveen Infrastructure is committed to driving South Korea’s clean energy transition and look forward to continuing our work with partners such as SK eternix and Hyundai on future projects in the renewables space.” The JV between Nuveen Infrastructure and SK eternix was signed in late 2022, with a view to acquire, build and operate 80 MW of solar PV projects. Nuveen Infrastructure owns a majority share in the JV alongside SK eternix’s minority interest. “This RE 100 contract is significant in that not only allow us to provide stable supplies of green electricity to Hyundai while generating profits as a power generation company and while implementing RE100, but also contributes to domestic companies’ carbon neutral efforts,” stated Hae zoong Kim, CEO of SK eternix. “We will continue to secure clean power generation assets and strengthen our power brokerage business capabilities through technology-based O&M advancement.” #cleanenergy

☀️ Proud to share that Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), one of our #RenewableEnergy subsidiaries in North America, has recently secured a $24 million construction facility and USDA-backed permanent financing facility from Live Oak Bank to finance the construction and operation of two community #solar projects in New York. The loan will fund the projects located in Yates County, New York, named Martin and Horning, which will generate over 20,000 MWh of clean, renewable energy each year.   Martin and Horning are part of GSI’s 222 MWac community solar portfolio with 46 projects across multiple markets and in various stages of development. They also represent a fraction of the company's overall portfolio, which includes a footprint of approximately 388 MW across over 70 renewable energy projects. GSI has a pipeline of 100 projects totaling nearly 2.5 GW under development in the U.S. and Canada.   Live Oak Bank is known for its strong commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives across the U.S., including backing USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) projects, which play a key role in helping rural communities adopt sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth. The closing of this facility also supports New York State’s renewable energy target of achieving 70% renewably sourced electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission electric grid by 2040.   With this significant financing milestone achieved, GSI’s team, in collaboration with GSI’s selected EPC contractor, EnSite, has begun construction for the projects, expected to be operational in 2025.   🌎 GSI is one of Libra Group’s three renewable energy subsidiaries with a total portfolio that encompasses in excess of 4 GW of projects owned, developed, or pending development in 12 countries. We’re pleased to see GSI’s progress as it works to support the uptake of clean energy across the U.S. and Canada! We look forward to following these projects as they break ground! 🌱 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4CvT4bp

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners is delighted to announce two long-term offtake agreements with Tesco and Shell covering 100% of the solar power generation from its Cleve Hill Solar Park. Quinbrook’s 15 Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with retailer Tesco, is the largest solar corporate PPA executed in the UK to date and will account for 65% of the expected solar generation from Cleve Hill once operational. Cleve Hill, a 373MW solar + 150MW battery storage project, is the largest to ever be constructed in the UK. “The offtake agreements secured with Tesco and Shell are a testament to this landmark renewables project for the UK and represent a significant milestone in delivering long-term inflation linked revenues for our investors, supporting new construction and jobs. Cleve Hill has set new benchmarks for UK solar and helps Quinbrook further its efforts to support the UK’s decarbonisation goals and energy independence through large-scale solar + battery storage projects,” said Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK regional lead for Quinbrook. Read more: https://lnkd.in/evF6GJJa

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (ORIT) has closed the acquisition of a newly constructed 42 MW solar farm near Dublin, Ireland. The acquisition adds to the four operational solar farms ORIT acquired earlier this year, bringing the total capacity of the five-site complex to 241 MW. The solar complex is now the largest in Ireland and is expected to contribute approximately 2.5% towards Ireland’s national solar target of 8GW by 2030. Philip Austin MBE, Chairman of ORIT, stated: “We are delighted to have completed on the fifth solar site following its energisation, underscoring our continued commitment to increasing green electricity generation through renewable infrastructure projects. “This solar complex will play a crucial role in providing sustainable electricity to Ireland to help it meet its clean energy goals and represents a step forward in our mission to deliver long-term value for our shareholders and positive environmental impact.” The sites were developed and constructed by Statkraft Ireland Limited under ORIT’s supervision, and were acquired once fully operational. The total acquisition cost amounted to €198 million, with approximately €38 million allocated to this latest site. The acquisition was partially financed through a €104 million 20-year debt facility provided by AIB and La Banque Postale, including an additional drawdown of €23 million for the new site. The solar complex benefits from a 15-year PPA with Microsoft. With this acquisition, ORIT’s total operational renewable energy capacity now stands at 802 MW. #cleanenergy

Empowering Wisconsin: Burns & McDonnell Completes Nine Solar Projects for Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint In a remarkable feat of engineering and construction, Burns & McDonnell has successfully completed nine solar projects across Wisconsin as part of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint. These projects are poised to provide clean, zero-fuel-cost electricity to approximately 170,000 homes in their inaugural year of production. The construction of these solar facilities commenced in 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and disruptions in the supply chain. Despite these obstacles, Burns & McDonnell managed to deliver all projects on schedule, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the field of solar construction. Chad Cotter, the vice president […] Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gA9QkJKu #solarenergy #alternativeenergy #solarpv #pvsolar #photovoltaic #cleanenergy #cleantech #climatechange #middleeast #africa #india #asiapacific #asia #alliantenergy #america #burns&mcdonnell #northamerica #renewableenergy #solarprojects #wisconsin

A leap forward for renewable energy and Ohio's energy independence - EDF Renewables North America and Enbridge celebrate the completion of the 150 MWac Fox Squirrel Solar Phase 1. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment, as the project stands poised to become one of the largest utility-scale solar developments east of the Mississippi River by the end of 2024. Kate O'Hair, Senior Vice President at EDF, emphasises the significance of Phase 1, now powering the PJM grid, as a testament to impressive teamwork and a driver for Ohio's renewable energy future. The collaborative spirit underpinning this project is the cornerstone of its success, and it's encouraging to see how local communities reap the benefits. Central Ohio's demand for power is surging, expected to double by 2028, and Fox Squirrel Solar is stepping up, ready to meet this growth. With Amazon's adoption of power purchase agreements for the entire capacity, the tech giant's commitment to a renewable-powered operation by 2030 - possibly 2025 - dovetails superbly with Ohio's economic aspirations. Ohio Chamber President Steve Stivers recognises the role of such projects in meeting increasing energy demands, calling out Fox Squirrel Solar as a beacon for energy infrastructure stability. The 1.4 million panels and 159 inverters deepen Ohio's foray into robust renewable energy technologies. Fox Squirrel Solar not only brings sustainable power but also promises construction, operations, and maintenance jobs; it's a harbinger of local economic prosperity. As this solar venture unfolds its full potential, how might your organisation tap into renewable energy and join the ranks of forward-thinking contributors to a greener future? #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment #FoxSquirrelSolar

How do you feel when you see local renewable energy projects blocked by objectors?   This new poll from Opinium Research commissioned by RenewableUK suggests that 61% of UK adults are frustrated to see renewable plans blocked and are eager to support the construction of new grid infrastructure and clean energy projects in their area.   Public opinion and ‘buy-in’ has historically been one of the biggest hurdles we’ve faced on the path to net zero so it’s genuinely fantastic to see the progress being made. The wider the support for clean and renewable energy, the more likely these projects are to get the go ahead.   On the other hand, whilst it can be frustrating when a project is aborted due to objections; it's only fair for these cases to be viewed fairly and all opinions taken into account. However with increased public backing, hopefully these projects can be amended and issues resolved, rather than blocked entirely.   https://lnkd.in/e95jPmCS   #netzero #climatechange #renewables #renewableenergy #cleanenergy

The planning regulations seem to be only part of the problem. We also need more people to process applications. From the article: More than 3,000 [planning officers] left the profession between 2010 and 2020. #uk #energytransition #renewables #netzero #onshore #solar #wind #BESS #storage #planning

3i Infrastructure plc (3i Group plc) has received a binding offer for its c.33% stake in VALOREM, a Europe-focused renewable energy developer and power producer, for net proceeds of approximately €309 million. Valorem confirmed the deal with a consortium comprising AIP Management and IDIA. “3iN’s strategy is focused on helping our portfolio of defensive businesses achieve strong growth as they leverage underlying structural drivers in their markets,” said Scott Moseley and Bernardo Sottomayor, Managing Partners and Co-Heads of European Infrastructure, 3i Investments plc. “Through this approach we are able to deliver long-term sustainable returns for our investors. “Valorem is a great example of this. Over the last eight years, we have worked closely with the team to support the company’s growth from a regional developer to an established leader in the European renewable power market.” 3i Infrastructure said the net proceeds of €309 million represented a 15% uplift from its valuation of €268 million at 31 March 2024, and 31% from the valuation as at 30 September 2023, before the sale process was initiated. At the point of exit, 3iN’s investment in Valorem is set to have generated a c.21% gross annual IRR and c.3.5x gross money multiple. The deal is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to the necessary approvals and clearances. Since 2016, Valorem’s operational asset base across France, Finland, Greece and Poland has grown to over 850 MW, while its development pipeline has increased to 6.6 GW. Additionally, Valorem’s EBITDA has more than quadrupled over this period. The financial advisers on the deal comprised: Astris Finance, LLC, BNP Paribas, and Lazard, while the legal advisers involved Clifford Chance, PwC Société d'Avocats, August Debouzy, with due diligence provided by KPMG, Watson Farley & Williams, Marsh, Everoze, Aurora Energy Research, and Drooms. “We are delighted that AIP will join us as a strategic partner,” commented Jean-Jean-Yves GRANDIDIER, Co-founder and CEO of VALOREM and Pierre GIRARD, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “We have been searching for the right platform investment for some time, and VALOREM stood out with its strong foundation, proven track record, and comprehensive capabilities in renewable energy,” noted Kasper Hansen, CEO of AIP. “We are thrilled to support VALOREM and to strengthen the long-term partnership built with the Crédit Agricole Group over the years, alongside with CAAP Energies thus demonstrating our strong commitment at the regional level,” added Antoine Paris, Investment Director in charge of the energy transition at IDIA. Valorem noted that GSO and IRDI, which already have a stake in the company, have renewed their confidence in the deal, alongside Bpifrance via its France Investissement Energie Environnement 2 fund. #cleanenergy