METLEN Energy & Metals S.A. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenfarne Asset Company, LLC, announced that they have entered into an agreement for Glenfarne to acquire a portfolio of Solar and Battery Energy Storage System assets in Chile.
The transaction involves operational solar projects with total capacity of 588 MW, combined with co-located BESS facilities with storage capacity of 1,610 MWh. Construction for the BESS facilities is ongoing and expected to be completed within a year.
The projects benefit from wide geographic diversification and multiple interconnection nodes across Chile’s Sistema Eléctrico Nacional (SEN), allowing for portfolio optimization.
The headline consideration of the acquisition is agreed at USD 815Mio, including the assumption of debt, and based on certain financing assumptions and other adjustments. The closing of the transaction is planned to occur when the BESS becomes operational, regulatory approvals are obtained and certain financing and other customary conditions for this type of transactions are fulfilled.
This landmark agreement forms part of METLEN’s global Asset Rotation Program for renewable energy projects and showcases the unparalleled capabilities of METLEN to implement highly complex transactions globally.
As BESS became an integral part of energy markets, METLEN has been in the forefront of implementing energy storage projects – standalone and on a hybrid basis. Through a unique set of capabilities across development, engineering, structuring and construction, we are able to create substantial value across our global energy business.
Commenting on the transaction, the CEO of METLEN Mr. Evangelos Mytilineos stated: “This is a landmark transaction for METLEN, as we pave the growth of M Renewables. We have identified the potential of Chile’s renewables market in 2020 and have managed to successfully overcome market challenges. In doing so we have developed, structured – commercially and financially – and constructed these projects at the highest standard.
This agreement reinforces our relationship with Glenfarne across the renewables market but also creates foundations for further enhancing the cooperation in other areas of common interest. Furthermore, it allows METLEN to release capital and crystallize value in a challenging market environment, providing confidence on the execution of the Asset Rotation Program”.
Brendan Duval, Founder and CEO of Glenfarne, said: “This transaction represents a significant step in Glenfarne’s commitment to further expanding our presence in Chile’s renewable energy sector and continued growth in our business relationships with METLEN. We’re glad to work with METLEN on this transaction, which aligns with our mission by investing in infrastructure that supports Chile’s energy transition”.
Astris Finance acted as Financial Advisor, and Milbank LLP, Larrain y Asociados Ltda., acted as legal advisors to METLEN for this transaction.
