SUSI Partners has made a significant move in the renewable energy sector with the sale of two onshore wind portfolios in France and Finland. This transaction, part of the SUSI Renewable Energy Fund II (SREF II) portfolio, has not only generated substantial returns but also underscores the growing importance of wind energy in Europe’s decarbonization efforts. The divestment of these assets, which had a combined capacity of 80MW and an average annual power production of 223 GWh, marks a pivotal moment in the wind energy landscape.
The French portfolio, comprising three separate wind farms, was sold to Brussels-based infrastructure manager Watts Green. Acquired between 2015 and 2016, these farms have collectively achieved an annual production of 98GWh. This sale highlights the maturing of the European wind energy market, where early investments are now yielding substantial returns and contributing significantly to the region’s clean energy goals. The Finnish portfolio, consisting of three wind farms acquired between 2016 and 2018, was sold to Locus Energy. These farms have an average annual production of 125GWh. The sale of these portfolios is a testament to the increasing attractiveness of European wind energy projects to investors seeking stable, long-term returns.
The clean energy generated by these wind facilities is sufficient to meet the electricity requirements of 60,000 European households while displacing more than 275,000t of CO₂ emissions annually. This environmental impact is a stark reminder of the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources. The divestment of these assets by SUSI Partners, which has now divested 60% of SREF II’s assets based on invested capital, signals a strategic shift in the firm’s portfolio management. This move allows SUSI to reinvest in new, high-growth areas within the renewable energy sector.
SUSI Partners’ recent commitment to financing the development of a battery energy storage portfolio in central-southern Chile through the SUSI Energy Transition Fund (SETF) is a clear indication of this shift. This new venture, in collaboration with local developer BIWO Renovables, expands SUSI’s footprint in the energy transition sector, encompassing clean energy generation, energy efficiency, battery energy storage, customer energy solutions, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This diversification is not just a business strategy but a response to the evolving energy landscape, where energy storage and grid stability are becoming as crucial as generation capacity, particularly in regions with high renewable energy penetration.
The sale of these wind portfolios and SUSI’s foray into energy storage in Chile highlight several key trends in the renewable energy sector. Firstly, the European wind energy market is maturing, with early investors now reaping the benefits of their foresight. Secondly, the focus on energy storage solutions is intensifying, driven by the need to balance the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Lastly, the collaboration between global investors and local developers is becoming a cornerstone of successful renewable energy projects, leveraging local expertise and global capital.
These developments are likely to shape the future of the renewable energy sector in several ways. The successful divestment of mature wind assets will encourage more investment in the sector, as investors see the potential for substantial returns. The increasing focus on energy storage solutions will drive innovation and investment in technologies that can ensure grid stability and reliability. Moreover, the collaboration between global investors and local developers will foster a more integrated and efficient renewable energy ecosystem, capable of delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide.
