Taipei/Hong Kong, August 2, 2018 – BlackRock Real Assets has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire equity interest in a 70MW solar portfolio comprising 28 projects (the “portfolio”) in Taiwan from J&V Energy Technology (J&V Energy), a leading solar energy producer headquartered in Taipei.
The assets were acquired through a private fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets that invests in wind and solar assets globally. The transaction marks the team’s first renewables investment in Taiwan, and first-ever acquisition of a solar floating portfolio.
The portfolio consists of operating and construction projects expected to be fully operational in 2019, with New Green Power (NGP), a leading solar developer and operator, continuing to provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) as well as long-term operational and maintenance (O&M) services. The portfolio offers the prospects of stable and long-term income for investors on the back of securing attractive 20-year feed-in-tariff (FIT) contracts with an investment grade off-taker.
The Taiwanese authorities are targeting an installed base of 25GW of renewable power by 2025 and solar technology is expected to play a key role in shaping Taiwan’s energy future.
Charlie Reid, Portfolio Manager of the BlackRock Renewable Power investment team, said: “We are delighted to partner with J&V Energy and NGP to make our first renewables investment in the Taiwan market, on behalf of our clients. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to the Asia Pacific region, a strategic priority for our US$5 billion global investment platform[1].”
Leo Seewald, Head of BlackRock Taiwan, said: “We are pleased to add renewable power capabilities to our local investment platform and strengthen BlackRock’s presence in Taiwan, while supporting the market’s transition to renewable energy.”
BlackRock Real Assets has invested in more than 190 solar and wind projects over the last few years, representing circa 6.6 gigawatts of capacity, able to generate enough clean energy to power more than 4.5 million homes per annum[2]. This acquisition reinforces BlackRock’s commitment in the solar power space, particularly in Taiwan – a growth market for renewables.
Kai Tan, Chief Executive Officer of J&V Energy, said, “The agreements with BlackRock and New Green Power are an important step in our portfolio strategy and demonstrate the growing maturity of Taiwan’s secondary market for renewables. The arrangement frees up capital for further investments and enables J&V Energy to continue to originate additional opportunities to create long term value for our shareholders.”
Jerome Tan, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Asset Management of New Green Power, said, “As the portfolio’s developer, EPC, O&M and asset manager, this transaction is a testament to the quality and proven expertise of NGP’s end-to-end capabilities. We are very excited that a global leader like BlackRock has partnered with NGP for their first investment in the Taiwan solar market. We look forward to building on our successes in the solar development space while furthering Taiwan’s commitment to renewable energy and green jobs.”
[1] Source: BlackRock, as of 31 May 2018
[2]Source: BlackRock, as of 30 June 2018
About BlackRock Real Assets
In today’s dynamic and complex global investing market, we help our clients access real assets opportunities that could help meet their investment goals by providing a distinct range of well defined, outcome orientated strategies, along the investment risk-return spectrum.
Our dedicated teams of industry and sector specialists deliver global reach, with deep local expertise. With decades of relevant experience, they are deeply embedded in their operating industries by sector and geography, and have developed strong partnership networks over time.
BlackRock’s culture of risk management, knowledge sharing and investment discipline substantiates and underpins all that we do. With over 360 professionals in 25 offices managing over US$41 billion in client commitments as of March 31, 2018, BlackRock Real Assets partners with clients to provide solutions tailored to individual portfolio needs such as income, growth, liquid or balanced real assets outcomes.
About New Green Power
Since 2009, New Green Power has been a pioneer of the Taiwan solar industry with core expertise in development, design, construction and project management. Today, NGP employs a team of over 100 professionals that are committed to delivering and maintaining projects for our clients which produce clean, safe and sustainable solar energy for local communities.
About J&V Energy Technology
Established in 2016, J&V Energy is a leading solar energy independent power producer headquartered in Taipei. J&V Energy employs a strong local team of experienced project developers and investment professionals with a track record of financing and operating solar projects in Asia.
Media Contacts
BlackRock
Cynthia Ng (Hong Kong)
Phone: +852 3903 2553
Email: cynthia.ng@blackrock.com
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