energyRe: $1.2 Billion Raised To Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

By Amit Chowdhry • Dec 15, 2023

energyRe – an independent U.S. clean energy developer – recently announced that it has raised a $1.2 billion capital package to support the expansion of its large-scale renewable energy portfolio comprising utility-scale transmission and storage, onshore wind and solar generation, and offshore wind. And energyRe will utilize these strategic investments to advance its mission of decarbonizing American cities with abundant, affordable, clean power and modern, well-connected electric grids.

This funding round comprises committed capital investments in energyRe LLC from Glentra Capital alongside co-investors Novo Holdings and Denmark-based pension fund PKA. Glentra will utilize its track record in developing and constructing renewable energy assets in the U.S. to support the energyRe team in expanding its development pipeline and delivering on its ambitious growth plan. And a firm agreement has been reached with Elia Group to acquire a stake in a subsidiary of energyRe: energyRe Giga. The European transmission specialist will be offering all of its expertise and experience in the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore transmission infrastructure; HVDC technology; transmission planning; and congestion management to the partnership. The capital package also includes a mandated corporate debt facility to be arranged by Santander and Deutsche Bank.

energyRe’s diversified portfolio of renewable assets includes a development pipeline spanning seventeen states and comprises of over 500 miles of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission; 10.5 GW of solar, wind, and storage; and more than 155 MW of distributed generation.

energyRe is advancing several nation-leading renewable energy projects across the United States. energyRe is a partner in Clean Path NY — which is a public-private collaboration to develop 3,800 MW of new wind and solar power and a 175-mile, underground 1,300 MW HVDC transmission line. Clean Path NY is critical to advancing New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality.

Upon operation, Clean Path NY will deliver more than 7.5 million MWh of emissions-free energy annually and reduce fossil fuel-fired electric generation in New York by 22% per year on average. And Clean Path NY encapsulates energyRe’s focus on transmission-led generation by delivering both clean power and urgently needed transmission capacity—alleviating growing congestion on the electric grid, reducing system costs, enhancing grid resiliency, and enabling additional sources of renewable power to reach cities and communities currently dependent on fossil fuels.

energyRe is a development partner on the SOO Green HVDC Link — a first-of-its-kind, a 350-mile interregional transmission line that will connect the midwestern (MISO) and eastern (PJM) power markets and enable the delivery of 2,100 MW of renewable energy— which is enough to power more than 1.5 million homes. By delivering wind and solar power to the nation’s largest electricity market, SOO Green will significantly decarbonize the regional electric grid and enhance system reliability and resiliency.

energyRe is a co-developer of Leading Light Wind — known as the only American-led offshore wind project with a lease in the New York Bight—which can power up to 1 million American homes with 2,400 MW of clean energy. As one of the only U.S.-based offshore wind developers in the world, energyRe is at the forefront of the burgeoning American offshore wind industry and well-positioned to advance robust domestic supply chains, workforce development pipelines, and manufacturing capabilities.

Last year, energyRe acquired Southern Current, a South Carolina-based premier developer of solar and energy storage assets. In September 2022, energyRe launched Radial Power, a large-scale developer, owner, and operator of distributed clean energy systems with commercial & industrial (C&I) solar and storage solutions and electric vehicle charging.

energyRe is an affiliate of Related Companies, which is one of the most prominent real estate companies in the United States and one of the nation’s largest creators and preservationists of affordable housing.

BofA Securities served as placement agent and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC. served as financial advisor to energyRe.

KEY QUOTES:

“energyRe’s world-class renewable energy portfolio and team have earned the trust of institutional investors and are more ready than ever to advance the U.S. transition. We look forward to leveraging our experience and expertise to deliver reliable clean power and advance a sustainable, carbon-free American future.”

– Jeff Blau, Chairman and Founding Partner of energyRe

“energyRe is at the forefront of America’s energy transition and delivering the necessary renewable infrastructure to meet our urgent climate and sustainability goals. We are uniquely focused on decarbonizing U.S. cities and hard-to-abate energy load centers with state-of-the-art electric grids that unlock new sources of clean power across the country. These investments, as well as strategic synergies with our new and current partners, will support energyRe’s robust development pipeline as well as further innovation and expansion in our portfolio. This is a clear commitment from leading institutional investors that believe in energyRe’s mission, growth, and momentum. We thank our partners and look forward to working together to meet America’s clean energy needs.”

– Miguel Prado, Chief Executive Officer of energyRe

“Through this agreement, Elia Group (via WindGrid USA) is entering the U.S. markets alongside an established partner with a solid portfolio of projects. This partnership with energyRe Giga is part of Elia Group’s growth strategy in Europe and the United States, since the Group is focused on expanding its activities abroad and strengthening the development of sustainable energy solutions. This partnership marks a strategic step towards Elia Group establishing itself as an internationally renowned expert in the field of electricity transmission.”

– Catherine Vandenborre, Interim CEO of Elia Group

“As a value-add investor in the energy transition, Glentra is delighted to invest in energyRe with like-minded investors. We have followed the company for several years and are big believers in their strategy and management team. The company is set for a valuable growth journey as they deliver their unique project pipeline and provide massive decarbonization for hard to abate regions of America.”

– Henrik Tordrup, Managing Partner at Glentra

“We are excited to become a shareholder of energyRe, which is a company that aligns perfectly with Novo Holdings’ ambition to accelerate the green transition and with our purpose of benefitting people’s health and the sustainability of the planet.”

– Morten Beck Jorgensen, Managing Partner, Capital Investments, Novo Holdings

“Alongside other professional partners, PKA is delighted to become shareholder of energyRe. We see energyRe as an essential part in the transition to further renewable energy sources and a natural addition to our portfolio within energy infrastructure.”

– Michael Nellemann Pedersen, Chief Investment Officer, PKA