RWE has now strengthened its renewables business in the UK with the acquisition of JBM Solar, a developer of solar and battery storage systems. The purchased pipeline holds a combined capacity of around 6.1GW, including 3.8GW of solar and 2.3GW of battery storage projects located mainly in the central and southern regions of England. A number of projects have already secured various approvals, meaning they could accordingly be operational by the end of 2024 with an average deployment rate of 450MW per year. Furthermore, RWE welcomes JBM Solar’s team of 30 professionals into their organisation who are specialised in land acquisition, construction planning and similar tasks; the team is based in London where the company was founded in 2012. Meanwhile, Susgen – a London-based renewables investor – was the seller behind this transaction. RWE itself is no stranger to wind power within UK borders, as it currently manages 10 offshore and 33 onshore wind farms with a combined capacity of over 2.6GW (RWE pro-rata). Katja Wünschel, CEO Onshore Wind and Solar Europe & Australia at RWE Renewables expressed her delight by saying We are already well positioned in offshore and onshore wind in the UK […] now we are significantly strengthening our renewables business by adding this already very advanced solar and battery pipeline […]. I’m very pleased to welcome our new colleagues from JBM Solar and to jointly driving forward the green expansion of RWE in the UK.

Summary

• RWE has acquired JBM Solar, a developer of solar and battery storage systems, in the UK.
• The combined development pipeline provides tremendous opportunities for sustainable and value accretive growth.
• RWE already has a footprint in UK wind power, with a combined capacity of more than 2.6GW (RWE pro-rata) consisting of 10 offshore and 33 onshore wind farms in operation.

What is the total capacity of RWE’s combined renewable energy development pipeline in the UK after acquiring JBM Solar?

The total capacity of RWE’s combined renewable energy development pipeline in the UK after acquiring JBM Solar is around 6.1GW, split into 3.8GW of solar and 2.3GW of battery storage projects.

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Picture source: Giorgio Trovato

Invenergy and its associates have agreed to a mammoth deal with American Electric Power (AEP) that will see the acquisition of a 1,365 megawatt unregulated renewable portfolio. Totaling $1.5 billion with project debt included, this is the largest acquisition in Invenergy’s history. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2023.Comprised of 1,200 megawatts of wind power and 165 megawatts of solar energy, the fourteen projects span eleven states and are all contracted under long-term agreements with various utilities, businesses and municipalities.“We are proud to bring our extensive development, financial and operating experience to this high quality renewable operating portfolio” declared Jim Murphy, president and corporate business leader at Invenergy. “Our continuous collaboration with AEP combined with our investor consortium led us to secure this important agreement.”The acquisition was made possible by partnered investments from CDPQ and funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure as well as from banks such as Santander who provided committed financing for the deal.

Summary

• Invenergy, in partnership with CDPQ and funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure, has entered into an agreement with American Electric Power to acquire its 1365MW unregulated renewables portfolio.
• The portfolio of contracted operational assets is valued at $1.5bn, including project debt, with the sale expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.
• Invenergy and its partners in the deal secured committed financing to support this acquisition from Banks including Santander.

What is the value of the portfolio of contracted operational assets being acquired by Invenergy?

The value of the portfolio of contracted operational assets being acquired by Invenergy is $1.5bn, including project debt.

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Picture source: American Public Power Association

Conrad Energy has officially switched on a 25MW power grid battery in Blackpool, located in the north-west of England. The 50 megawatt-hour energy storage system is linked to Electricity North West’s (ENWL) 33kV network, and tested for UK grid compliance prior to its activation.Conrad Energy’s chief operating officer Steve Conry declared that this energy storage system will help with the transition to renewable energy sources, making it possible to match varying electricity demands with intermittent supply. He went on to add that such projects require long-term planning involving landlords, local authorities and communities before finally coming online and being managed by maintenance and operational teams. These experts strive to keep the stored power at an optimal performance level, which is then sold on the market by Conrad Energy’s own optimisation team.

Summary

• Conrad Energy has energised a 25MW grid battery in Blackpool, north-west England.
• The 25MW/50 megawatt-hour energy storage system is connected to Electricity North West’s (ENWL) 33kV network.
• The project will support the energy transition by solving the problem of matching intermittent energy supply with varying grid demand and by providing essential ancillary services such as Dynamic Containment, Dynamic Regulation and Dynamic Moderation.

What services does Conrad Energy’s 25MW grid battery provide for Electricity North West’s 33kV network?

Conrad Energy’s 25MW grid battery provides essential ancillary services such as Dynamic Containment, Dynamic Regulation and Dynamic Moderation for Electricity North West’s 33kV network.

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Picture source: Ronnie George

TenneT has appointed Dura Vermeer, BAM Infra Nederland and Visser & Smit Bouw to carry out the civil engineering works for the connection of as many as eight onshore stations for a 2GW Offshore Wind Grid Link in the Netherlands. The agreement can be extended, should new 2GW projects be declared during the contract period. The basic design of the land stations has been made and upon starting work in 2024, they will be involved in creating detailed designs. This is due to be completed by 2026 and is key to the energy transition from offshore that will enable Europe becoming a climate-neutral continent.

Summary

• TenneT has selected Dura Vermeer, BAM Infra Nederland and Visser & Smit Bouw for the civil engineering works for the construction of the land-based stations for the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects in the Netherlands.
• From 2024, TenneT will realise the connection of offshore wind farms according to a new 2GW standard.
• Work on the land stations will start in 2024 with an expected first delivery of civil engineering work in 2026.

What countries will be involved in the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects?

The countries involved in the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects will be the Netherlands and Germany.

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Picture source: Andrey Metelev

NTR has just secured the Momerstroff wind portfolio, with two projects located in France’s Grand Est region. This major purchase consists of 11.5MW from the already-operational Momerstroff I, and 34.5MW from the upcoming Momerstroff II, which is slated to begin business in Q1 2026.To ensure a successful transaction, Natural Power provided comprehensive technical due diligence on permitting, environmental codes and contracts, land lease and maintenance provisions and civil works. Additionally, they conducted energy yield assessments and inspected the turbines themselves.Liam Lyng of NTR commented on this event: We are absolutely delighted to add these wind farms to our assets under management in France; through this acquisition we aim to contribute significantly to green power transition towards decarbonisation as well as security of supply in the French market. He added that they were grateful for Natural Power’s role in providing full wrap technical due diligence throughout the process.

Summary

• NTR has acquired the 46MW Momerstroff wind portfolio in the Grand Est region of France from EcoJoule Energy and éolec SAS.
• Once complete, Momerstroff II will include up to ten turbines totalling 34.5MW.
• Natural Power provided technical due diligence as part of the transaction.

What is the total capacity of the Momerstroff wind portfolio?

The total capacity of the Momerstroff wind portfolio is 46MW, with 11.5MW from Momerstroff I and 34.5MW from Momerstroff II.

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Cubico Sustainable Investments and Stanwell Corporation are delighted to announce the kickoff of the Wambo Wind Farm project stage 1 in Queensland’s Western Downs. The 252MW wind farm will involve 42 Vestas V162-6.0MW turbines and is estimated to achieve completion in 2025. Both Cubico and Stanwell, which is owned by the Queensland Government, will possess joint ownership of the plant during construction and the 30-year operational phase.David Smith, Cubico’s Country Head for Australia, commented on this milestone development: “We’re overjoyed to have reached yet another crucial step as part of our long-term strategy for renewable energy generation expansion in Australia. This includes collaborations with likeminded partners like Stanwell who share our same values toward decarbonisation. We’re also thankful for Powerlink’s supportive role in connecting the wind farm to a reliable grid.The construction of Wambo is projected to create 200 jobs during its initial phases and lead to 22 permanent slots once it has come into service. Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) will work alongside Cubico to select local businesses for participation in the project’s operations and provide area residents with upskilling opportunities within its supply chain. As such, TSBE will hold a public forum where community members can meet representatives from its appointed Engineering, Procurement and Construction provider – Vestas – and acquire further information regarding construction details at Jandowae later this month. Additional updates from Cubico concerning Wambo Stage 1 will be released to nearby residents early March 2021.

Summary

• Cubico and Stanwell have announced the start of construction of stage 1 of the Wambo Wind Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
• The project will create up to 200 jobs during construction and a further 22 full-time equivalent jobs during operations.
• Vestas has been appointed as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) lead for stage 1, as well as the long-term operations and maintenance provider for a minimum of 30 years.

What opportunities will local businesses have to engage in work on the Wambo Wind Farm?

Local businesses will have the opportunity to engage in work on the Wambo Wind Farm through attending public forums and contacting Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) for updates.

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Picture source: American Public Power Association

Renewable energy company RWE recently announced the start of construction for its Gazules project, a solar park comprising two parts: Gazules 1 and 2. Each section will have an output of 46MW, resulting in a total capacity of 92MW when combined. Located in Cádiz in Spain, the 140-hectare installation will include bifacial solar cells – double-sided modules with a second pane on the back which harnesses indirect light from reflected rays. This increases yield and efficiency of the system. This is part of a larger expansion plan for Spain, with RWE now at 250MW following recent commissions such as Casa Valdes near Madrid (44MW) and Las Vaguadas/Puerta del Sol (54MW). CEO Katja Wünschel for RWE’s Onshore Wind and Solar Europe & Australia commented positively on its progress: “Five new solar farms in less than two years is a great track record”. Full commissioning of Gazules I is expected by year’s end 2023.

Summary

• RWE has started construction of a 92MW solar project, in the province of Cádiz, Spain.
• Approximately 240,000 bifacial modules will be installed on a total area of 140 hectares.
• At the end of last year, RWE commissioned its 44 MW solar park Casa Valdes near Madrid.

What is the total solar capacity of RWE in Spain following the commissioning of Gazules at the end of 2023?

At the end of 2023, RWE will have a total solar capacity of around 250MW in Spain.

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Picture source: Andreas Gücklhorn

Renewable energy giants RWE and Greek developer PPC have made a final investment decision to build a 175MW (210MW peak) solar capacity in the northern region of Western Macedonia on the former Amyntaio lignite mine. The project will require an €180m total investment, with €90m being co-financed by EU funds, and has long-term agreements for power purchase signed with various customers for terms ranging between 10 and 15 years. The joint venture company, Meton Energy, is divided evenly between the two companies, with 51% belonging to RWE and 49% belonging to PPC Renewables. Georgios Stassis, Chairman and CEO of PPC remarked: “Clean energy is at the heart of our Strategic Planning. This includes developing renewable energy projects, storage technologies and green hydrogen. We strongly believe that renewable energies alongside storage technologies will form the backbone of electricity worldwide in this coming decade” – thus showing their commitment to sustainability and energy transition. Both companies are striving towards 2GW (peak) total solar capacity in Greece through their joint venture – with PPC Renewables donating nine solar projects with a capacity of up to 870MW (940 MWp) and RWE Renewables having a development pipeline of similar size. Construction is planned for Spring 2021, followed by commissioning in early 2024.

Summary

• RWE and PPC have reached a final investment decision to build 175MW (210MW peak) of solar capacity in Greece.
• The 200MW of capacity will require a total investment of €180m, with €90m co-financed by EU funds.
• Through Meton Energy, RWE Renewables and PPC Renewables are developing solar projects with a total capacity of up to 2GW (peak) in Greece.

What is the total investment required for the five projects in Western Macedonia?

The total investment required for the five projects in Western Macedonia is €180m, with €90m co-financed by EU funds.

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Picture source: Dimitris Kiriakakis

Enefit Green, a leading Baltic power producer and part of the Eesti Energia Group, has just signed a contract with Nordex for the supply, erection and 30-year maintenance of turbines for the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm in Estonia. The deal will see 38 machines each with a nominal capacity of 6.8MW provided by Nordex at an estimated cost of €346m. This agreement follows the final investment decision of the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm which was declared on 22 December 2022.

Summary

• Enefit Green has signed a contract with Nordex for the supply, erection and maintenance of turbines for the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm in Estonia.
• The estimated total cost of the supply and maintenance contract is €346m.
• This agreement is part of the implementation of the final investment decision of the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm, which was published on 22 December 2022.

What is the estimated total cost of the supply and maintenance contract for the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm?

The estimated total cost of the supply and maintenance contract for the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm is €346m.

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Picture source: Mariana Proença

Plenium Partners, in collaboration with Bankinter Investment, have acquired a monumental 247 megawatt capacity cluster of solar powered projects in Spain. The five separate solar facilities are located in the country’s Aragón district and achieved operational readiness this year. Though the terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, Lightsource BP, the original owner of the sites, celebrated the move as an important step in furthering Spain’s renewable energy ambitions.Kareen Boutonnat, CEO for Europe and Asia Pacific at Lightsource BP, elaborated on the company’s role in facilitating such transactions; “These sort of deals demonstrate our trusted partnership capabilities, our commitment to delivering quality constructed and operated assets that contribute to Plenium Partners and Bankinter Investment’s green objectives.”In addition to EY serving as financial advisor for Lightsource BP during the proceedings, similarly Uría Menéndez was chosen as their legal counsel while Plenium and Bankinter sought representation from Gómez-Acebo & Pombo. With 130 employees working on a 4 gigawatt production line last year alone, it is clear Lightsource BP is pushing hard towards meeting its own standards for renewable energy generation in Spain.

Summary

• Lightsource BP has agreed the sale of a 247MW cluster of solar projects in Spain to independent renewable energy investor Plenium Partners and Bankinter Investment.
• The asset comprises five solar installations in Aragón and has been in operation since 2021.
• Kareen Boutonnat, CEO for EMEA and APAC at Lightsource BP, said: „Transactions like these demonstrate our strong credentials in delivering quality constructed and operational assets as a trusted partner.“

What was the value of the transaction between Lightsource BP, Plenium Partners and Bankinter Investment?

The value of the transaction has not been disclosed.

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Picture source: Andreas Gücklhorn