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Alternative Renewable Investment

Top 10 Alternative Renewable Investors in Europe

26 Jun 2024

Top 10 Alternative Renewable Investors in Europe

PF Nexus highlights the Top 10 Alternative Renewable Investors in Europe

Welcome to PF Nexus’s guide on the top alternative renewable investors in Europe. In this article, we recognize the key players fueling Europe's energy transition.

Europe leads the global renewable energy revolution, with 43% of its electricity consumption already derived from renewable sources, far surpassing the global average of 30%. Despite this leadership, Europe continues to set ambitious goals to further increase the share of renewables in its energy mix.

Launched in 2022, the REPowerEU plan outlines ambitious targets for 2030, aiming to strengthen the renewable energy framework through supportive policies, regulations, and investments. While 26 out of 27 EU member states met their 2020 renewable energy targets, significant deployment of technologies like solar, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy is essential to fully decarbonize the energy system and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Renewable energy technologies revolutionize power generation and storage, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. These technologies reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, enhance energy security, and create economic opportunities. Hydroelectric power harnesses the energy of flowing water, biomass energy transforms organic materials into heat and electricity, and anaerobic digestion produces biogas from biodegradable matter. These diverse technologies are gaining global traction for their potential to drive sustainable development.

Renewable energy projects typically involve high upfront capital costs (Capex) but low ongoing operating costs (Opex). Therefore, substantial investment from knowledgeable investors is crucial to manage risks and maximize long-term returns. Investors are essential in driving the global transition to clean power by providing the capital needed to develop and scale renewable energy projects worldwide.

As renewable energy becomes more cost-competitive and government support grows, the pool of investors is set to expand rapidly. Capital market instruments like green bonds are opening new avenues for funding renewable projects. By committing capital to renewable energy, investors can enhance portfolio resilience, generate cash yields, and contribute to combating climate change. However, navigating the evolving renewable energy landscape requires a tolerance for disruption and a long-term perspective.

Stay tuned as we delve into the top 10 alternative renewable investors in Europe, highlighting the companies leading the charge in sustainable energy investment.

Top 10 Alternative Renewable Investors in Europe

View the full list
1

Scatec ASA

Founded 2007NOR
SolarWindOther RenewablesEnergy StorageInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
Scatec is a renewable energy company that specializes in a broad range of technologies across the renewable energy spectrum. The company's activities span solar, hydropower, wind, and storage solutions, making it a significant player in the global shift towards sustainable energy. With a focus on innovation, Scatec is committed to developing new technologies and solutions for hybrid renewable power plants. This diversification strategy is evident in their ambitious target to reach 15 GW of renewable capacity in operation or under construction by the end of 2025, as detailed in their 2021 CEO letter. A notable project includes their joint venture decision with AboitizPower for a battery energy storage project in the Philippines, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing renewable energy storage and integration. Scatec's global footprint extends across emerging markets, where it delivers affordable and clean energy, contributing to the economic development and sustainability of these regions.
2

ENGIE UK

Founded 2009GBR
SolarWindOther RenewablesEnergy StorageInfrastructure & Other
Type: Investor
ENGIE, a key player in the UK energy market for over two decades, boasts a global presence with significant investments in renewable energy and storage solutions. Their commitment to expanding low carbon assets, including wind and solar power, reflects a dedication to sustainable development. With ambitious targets set to achieve substantial renewable capacity by 2025 and 2030, ENGIE's impact extends beyond borders, employing 170,000 individuals worldwide and investing heavily in research and development.

Their UK operations, headquartered in Leeds, focus on supplying gas and electricity to organizations of all sizes while actively promoting energy efficiency and green initiatives. ENGIE's workforce of 1,000 in the UK plays a pivotal role in driving the transition to a net-zero carbon future, emphasizing the importance of responsible business practices that balance economic performance with environmental stewardship. Through innovation and collaboration, ENGIE strives to enhance living and working environments while championing sustainable progress for generations to come ENGIE UK.
3

Lightsource BP

Founded 2010GBR
SolarWindOther RenewablesInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
Lightsource bp, in partnership with bp, stands as a global leader in solar development, management, and operations. For over a decade, they've actively spearheaded the transformation of the world's energy landscape through sustainable and responsible solar power. Since 2010, their commitment to deploying affordable, reliable, large-scale solar solutions has played a pivotal role in decarbonizing businesses and communities. Their rapidly growing business is driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and learning, as they continuously invest and push boundaries to accelerate the energy transition at pace and scale. They cultivate talent from diverse sectors to fuel their mission for a low-carbon future. With a focus on long-term sustainable growth, their projects contribute to strengthening the resilience of the world around them. Lightsource BP About Page

One notable project is the Streetfields and Northfield House Solar Project, a joint endeavor by Lightsource bp, is an example of the company's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. With a combined capacity of 50MW, these solar installations near Lutterworth are set to generate 54,400MWh of renewable energy annually, powering approximately 15,000 homes and saving 10,500 tonnes of carbon emissions yearly. Rigorously selected and meticulously planned, these projects underwent extensive environmental assessments and community consultations to ensure alignment with local needs and environmental considerations. Operational since December 2022, these installations now supply H&M Group business activities across the UK, showcasing Lightsource bp's dedication to driving the transition to clean energy. Streetfields and Northfield House Solar Project
4

Aquila Capital

Founded 2001DEU
SolarWindOther RenewablesInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
Aquila Capital, a part of the Aquila Group, stands as an investment and asset development powerhouse focused on curating and managing essential assets for its clientele. With a keen eye on clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, Aquila Group plays a pivotal role in driving the global energy transition and fortifying the world's infrastructure backbone. Since its establishment in 2001 by Dieter Rentsch and Roman Rosslenbroich, Aquila Group has been synonymous with industrial excellence and fiduciary capital management principles. With a diverse portfolio spanning wind energy, solar PV, hydropower assets, sustainable real estate, green logistics projects, energy efficiency initiatives, carbon forestry, and data centers, Aquila Group continues to push boundaries in meaningful trends for mankind and the planet.

Aquila Group aims to become a global leader in sustainable investment and project development by 2030, focusing on essential tangible assets such as green energy production, sustainable infrastructure, and carbon forestry. To reinforce this mission, Aquila Group has committed to reducing 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2035 across its portfolio, contributing significantly to global decarbonization efforts. Aquila Group Sustainability Engagement. In 2022, they joined SolarPower Europe, a key organization driving the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), aimed at enhancing supply chain transparency and confidence in solar product manufacturing.
5

Mainstream Renewable Power

Founded 2008IRL
SolarWindOther RenewablesInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
Mainstream Renewable Power has a leading role in the global energy sector, with its significant dedication to accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. Founded in 2008, the Dublin-based company has successfully delivered 6.6 GW of renewable energy projects to financial close and boasts a global pipeline of 23.9 GW.
With its core operations in solar and wind energy develoment, the company develops and invests in renewable energy projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
Mainstream's projects range from onshore and offshore wind farms to solar photovoltaic installations, harnessing the power of nature while minimizing environmental impact.
More information
6

Vattenfall AB

Founded 1909SWE
WindOther RenewablesInfrastructure & Other
Type: Investor
Vattenfall is a leading European energy company, which for more than 100 years has electrified industries, supplied energy to people’s homes and modernised our way of living through innovation and cooperation. We now want to make fossil-free living possible within one generation. That's why we are driving the transition to a sustainable energy system through initiatives in renewable production and climate smart energy solutions for our customers. We employ approximately 20,000 people and have operations mainly in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and the UK. Vattenfall is owned by the Swedish state.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vattenfall
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/vattenfall
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VattenfallGroup

Privacy Policy: https://group.vattenfall.com/site-assets/privacy-policy---general
7

SSE plc

Founded 1998GBR
WindOther RenewablesInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
SSE is a UK and Ireland-based energy provider. With its key operations in developing, building, and investing in electricity infrastructure, the company's key incentive is to reach the transition to a net zero. The company's core assets and projects are mainly based in the UK and Ireland.
In addition, SSE have been expanding their presence in other countries, driving their renewable energy projects on a global scale. The company's core technologies include building onshore and offshore wind farms, hydro schemes, electricity, large-scale battery storage systems (BESS), and solar. Remarkabe projects include 150/300MWh BESS in England.
Furthermore, SSE's culture is driven by sustainability, efficiency, and dedication to combat climate change. Read more
8

RP Global

Founded 1986AUT
SolarWindOther RenewablesEnergy StorageInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
With over 35 years of expertise in the renewable energy sector, RP Global stands as a prominent developer and operator, dedicated to driving the energy transition forward. Their focus spans solar PV, wind, hydro, and storage solutions, with a pipeline exceeding 10GW. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and Madrid, Spain, they are committed to developing and operating sustainable renewable energy projects that meet the highest standards, ensuring solid returns for investors.

Their mission is to play a pivotal role in the energy transition by implementing a portfolio of over 7GW in Europe alone. Upholding rigorous social and environmental standards, they prioritize genuine engagement with stakeholders, fostering authentic relationships. Through their projects, they strive to harmonize with the environment while delivering tangible value to all involved parties. RP Global Mission & Vision

With robust expertise in preparing hydro, wind, and solar PV projects for non-recourse project financing and capital market transactions, they adhere to the highest industry standards. Having secured over €1 billion in financing, they have a proven track record of successful funding closures for numerous projects, partnering with esteemed institutions such as IFC, EBRD, DEG, OeEB, as well as leading commercial banks like UniCredit and PKO. RP Global - Develop & Finance
9

Ecotricity

Founded 1995GBR
SolarWindOther RenewablesEnergy StorageInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
As the world's pioneer in green electricity, Ecotricity revolutionized the energy landscape by introducing the concept of green electricity in 1996, setting the stage for a global movement. Their mission is to redefine the production and utilization of electricity in Britain, recognizing its significant contribution to carbon emissions. Transitioning into a fully-fledged green energy company in 2010, they introduced the groundbreaking concept of green gas, derived from food waste, contributing to the national gas grid. Operating on a distinctive model, they utilize their customers' energy bills to finance the development of new green energy sources, aptly termed as turning 'Bills into Mills'. As a not-for-dividend entity, all profits are reinvested into their mission. Their electricity is 100% green, sourced from solar and wind power, with approximately 12% generated in-house and the remainder sourced from certified green energy suppliers or the wholesale market. Setting themselves apart from other energy providers, they distinguish themselves by actively building new wind and solar parks across the country, thereby augmenting Britain's renewable energy capacity. Furthermore, they continuously research and innovate to enhance the efficiency and scale of green electricity generation, aiming to completely supplant fossil fuel-based electricity generation.Ecotricity - Green Electricity

Ecotricity pioneers green electricity by building wind and solar parks across Britain, enabling homes and businesses to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources, thus combating climate change. They also lead the charge in green gas innovation, envisioning a future where biomethane from grass cuttings replaces natural gas, offering a sustainable solution to heating and cooking while mitigating carbon emissions.Ecotricity - Our Mission
10

Enel Green Power S.p.A. (EGP)

Founded 2008IND
SolarWindOther RenewablesEnergy StorageInfrastructure & Other
Type: Developer, Investor
The Enel Group is dedicated to renewable energy production and management on a global scale. With a diverse energy generation mix encompassing wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, and green hydrogen, their 1,200 plants span five continents, boasting an installed capacity of approximately 53 GW. Operating with a sustainable business model, they create value not just for themselves but also for the communities they serve worldwide. Constantly pursuing new projects and technological advancements, they strive to innovate in renewable energy research and production. Their ambitious goal is to foster competitiveness and sustainability while prioritizing people and the environment. They firmly believe in the transformative power of renewable sources to enhance production system competitiveness and ensure energy security. By harnessing wind, solar, water, and geothermal energy, they facilitate greater energy independence for nations while safeguarding the environment. Through customized and long-term Power Purchase Agreements, they provide clean energy solutions to businesses, empowering them to reduce emissions and embark on a sustainable path. Their commercial offerings extend beyond energy supply, encompassing additional services tailored to enhance client sustainability strategies, benefiting both stakeholders and the environment.

At the forefront of sustainable energy transition, they're dedicated to decarbonizing and electrifying energy consumption to combat climate change. Their mission, ""Enabling progress with sustainable energy"", guides their efforts in developing and operating renewable energy plants, including on-shore wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, and geothermal, while investing in hybridization of technologies, integration with other sectors like agrivoltaics, and innovative circular economy solutions. Additionally, they prioritize Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to address intermittency, enhance grid flexibility, and ensure energy security. Enel Green Power - Mission 2040

Identifying and sourcing Investors for your Project

Finding investors or buyers for your alternative renewable projects can be difficult. Investors are often busy with assessing opportunities in their pre-existing developer network, which may make it harder for less well-known projects to break into the market.

Using a renewable energy asset marketplace like PF Nexus provides a more efficient and transparent way of identifying and securing collaborations between alternative renewable developers and investors. PF Nexus is used by over 6,300 professionals from >3,000 developers, investors, and lenders, constantly on the lookout for 'the right' renewable energy investment opportunities for them.

How does it work? Registering your account and submitting your project takes just 5 minutes. From there, you can receive introductions from interested partners directly to your inbox, eliminating the need for manual outreach and ensuring you connect with the highest calibre, most engaged investors for your deal.

To gain a competitive advantage for your renewable energy portfolio, get started with PF Nexus right now (takes 3 minutes).

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