Kidston Solar Project Phase One 50MW Closes $100M Finance Deal
Sydney, Feb 15, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Genex Power Limited (
ASX:GNX) (Genex or Company) is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved Financial Close for its Kidston Solar Project Phase One 50MW (KSP1 or Project).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Project Financial Close reached for Kidston Solar Project (Phase One 50MW)
- Approximately $100m project finance from Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Societe Generale (EPA:GLE)(SCGLY:OTCMKTS)
- Project Finance Equity and ARENA Funding in place to fund project development costs
- Project construction remains on target for first generation and cash flow by Q4 2017
Project Financial Close
Genex has entered into a Debt Funding Arrangement for a total of approximately $100 million with Societe Generale (Soc Gen) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), finalising all necessary funding requirements for the Engineering, Construction and Procurement (EPC) and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs of the Project.
The Project is the latest project to have received finance under the CEFC's large-scale solar financing program, following CEFC's recent $150 million commitment to three NSW projects (not Genex owned). Additional non-Genex CEFC-financed large-scale solar projects are nearing financial close, with the program on track to exceed its initial $250 million target.
CEFC Large-Scale Solar lead Gloria Chan said:
"The CEFC is delighted to be part of the Kidston Solar Project Phase One, with our tailored finance helping accelerate the construction and delivery of the 50MW large-scale solar farm on this unique site. Energy storage solutions such as pumped hydro are one of the next steps in our clean energy transition. With the cost of solar generation continuing to decline, we are committed to working with developers such as Genex to finance opportunities that can complement Australia's growing renewable energy capacity, by adding energy storage and grid stability services."
Financial Close for KSP1 occurs following Genex's successful capital raise announced to the ASX on 03 February 2017.
Project Financial Close now ensures construction of the Project remains on track with first generation from the solar panels into the grid expected in Q4 2017 and practical completion in Q1 2018.
In addition to the debt and equity funding, Genex will also draw on $8.85 million of grant funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), provided through its Large-Scale Solar Competitive Round, for project development costs (refer ASX Announcement 8 September 2016).
ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the Project would contribute towards ARENA's vision for a smooth transition to a renewable energy future by increasing the reliability and security of renewable energy.
"Kidston holds the tantalising proposition of being Australia's first large-scale solar project capable of delivering renewable energy into the grid around the clock. The plant could potentially contribute towards powering an adjacent 250MW pumped hydro storage plant Genex is developing with ARENA support. This would allow renewable energy to be stored through the day and delivered when needed most," Mr Frischknecht said.
With Project construction underway for KSP1, Genex will turn to securing financial arrangements for its 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, as well as the completion of technical feasibility studies for its 270MW Kidston Solar Project (Phase Two).
Project Summary
KSP1 will produce approximately 145,000MWh each year, providing enough energy to power 26,484 Australian homes entirely with renewable energy, offsetting 120,000t of CO2per annum, equivalent to removing up to 33,000 cars off Australian roads. Genex has entered into a 20-year Revenue Support Deed with the Queensland State Government, as part of its Solar 150 Program. The program guarantees a minimum energy floor price (refer ASX announcement 8 September 2016). All energy produced will be supplied directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM).
About ARENA
ARENA was established by the Australian Government to make renewable energy technologies more affordable and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Through the provision of funding coupled with deep commercial and technical expertise, ARENA provides the support needed to accelerate the development of promising new solutions towards commercialisation. ARENA invests in renewable energy projects across the innovation chain and is committed to sharing knowledge and lessons learned from its portfolio of projects and information about renewable energy. ARENA always looks for at least matched funding from the projects it supports and to date has committed $1.1 billion in funding to more than 270 projects. For more information, visit www.arena.gov.au.
About the Clean Energy Finance Corporation:
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation invests, applying commercial rigour, to increase the flow of finance into the clean energy sector. Our mission is to accelerate Australia's transformation towards a more competitive economy in a carbon constrained world, by acting as a catalyst to increase investment in emissions reduction. We do this through an investment strategy focused on cleaner power solutions, including large and small-scale solar, wind and bioenergy; and a better built environment, with investments to drive more energy efficient property, vehicles, infrastructure, and industry. The CEFC also invests with co-financiers to develop new sources of capital for the clean energy sector, including climate bonds, equity funds, aggregation facilities and other financial solutions. The CEFC operates under the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012. For more information, visit cleanenergyfinancecorp.com.au.
About Societe Generale
Societe Generale (SCGLY:OTCMKTS) is one of the largest European financial services groups. Based on a diversified universal banking model, the Group combines financial solidity with a strategy of sustainable growth, and aims to be the reference for relationship banking, recognised on its markets, close to clients, chosen for the quality and commitment of its teams.
Societe Generale has been playing a vital role in the economy for 150 years. With more than 145,000 employees, based in 66 countries, we serve on a daily basis 31 million clients throughout the world. Societe Generale's teams offer advice and services to individual, corporate and institutional customers in three core businesses:
- Retail banking in France with the Societe Generale branch network, Credit du Nord and Boursorama, offering a comprehensive range of multi-channel financial services at the leading edge of digital innovation;
- International retail banking, insurance and financial services to corporates with a presence in developing economies and leading specialised businesses;
- Corporate and investment banking, private banking, asset management and securities services, with recognised expertise, top international rankings and integrated solutions.
Societe Generale is currently included in the main sustainability indices: DJSI (World and Europe), FTSE4Good (World and Europe), Euronext Vigeo (World, Europe and Eurozone), Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI) Excellence Europe, 4 of the STOXX ESG Leaders Indices, MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index.
About Genex Power Ltd
Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company.
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