Edify Energy, a leading renewable energy and battery storage company based in Australia, is set to be acquired by global investment group La Caisse, formerly known as CDPQ. The two companies have entered into binding agreements that will not only transfer ownership of Edify but also provide substantial financial backing for its future growth. After finalization, the dea; and accompanying equity funding will represent an investment of approximately 1 billion Canadian dollars, or roughly 1.1 billion Australian dollars.
This investment will serve multiple purposes. First, it will fund the acquisition of Edify itself. Second, it will provide the capital needed to launch two major hybrid energy projects that combine solar power with battery energy storage systems. These projects, which are ready to begin construction, will deliver a combined capacity of 900 megawatts and 3,600 megawatt-hours. The energy produced will be supplied to major partners, including Rio Tinto and the Commonwealth of Australia. In addition to these projects, the funding will support Edify’s broader pipeline of renewable energy developments, which includes more than 11 gigawatts of planned hybrid and battery storage capacity.
Edify was founded in 2015 by John Cole and has quickly become one of Australia’s most prominent green energy companies. The firm has expertise across the entire lifecycle of renewable energy projects—from initial development and financing to construction and long-term operations. In 2018, Edify made history by launching Australia’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage project. Since then, it has successfully delivered 11 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, totaling over 1.1 gigawatts of capacity.
The company’s success is driven by a team of skilled professionals who specialize in creating innovative and commercially viable energy solutions. By integrating solar power with advanced battery storage, Edify is helping to improve the reliability of Australia’s electricity grid and accelerate the country’s shift toward clean energy.
After completed, the deal will mark a significant step forward in the global effort to invest in sustainable infrastructure and support the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Advisors: La Caisse was advised by ICA Partners and Clifford Chance as financial adviser and legal adviser, respectively, while Edify was advised by Lazard Australia and Herbert-Smith Freehills Kramer as financial adviser and legal adviser, respectively.
KEY QUOTES:
“The agreement with La Caisse is a pivotal moment for Edify, providing balance sheet strength to seriously ramp up Edify’s speed of execution of firm dispatchable green generators. I am so very proud of the business that Edify has become and the exceptional team that creates and delivers the solutions to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and the grid. In La Caisse, we have found the perfect owner to supercharge the business and take Edify’s enviable market position to the next level.”
John Cole, Founder and Executive Chairman
“Our acquisition of Edify highlights the track record and expertise of its team and a commitment to Australia’s clean energy future. With our long-term capital and sustainability expertise, Edify will accelerate the delivery of large-scale renewable and storage projects that strengthen the grid and advance decarbonization. This reflects our strong conviction in the critical role these technologies will continue to play in the global energy transition.”
Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure and Sustainability at La Caisse
