Actis, a leading growth markets investor, today (3/1) announced a commitment amounting to $525 million to establish a Pan-Latin American renewable energy platform, Atlas Renewable Energy, which will target over 1,500 MWs of installed capacity across the Latin America region.
Actis today (3/1) completed the acquisition of over 1,500 MW of solar PV assets from SunEdison in Latin America. The deal includes an agreement to acquire assets including 578 MW of contracted projects in operation, construction or advanced development stage, and over 1,000 MW of projects in early stage development.
Once in full operation, the projects are expected to produce enough clean energy to power over 350,000 households, reducing CO2 emissions from conventional generation by over 1.5 million tons.
Atlas Renewable Energy's growth strategy involves both partnering in new projects and developing its own proprietary pipeline, with a focus on solar PV projects across Latin America. Core target markets will include Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay and Chile. The business will leverage Actis' expertise in the power sector, especially in project finance, construction, and operations, to build a leading power generation company in the region. Atlas is Actis' fifth power generation platform in Latin America, following recent investments in Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Central America.
Atlas will bring on an experienced management team with a successful track record in the development and construction of solar PV projects across the region. The company will be headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and will have regional offices in Brazil and Mexico.
Commenting on the new platform, Michael Harrington, a partner in the Energy business at Actis, said: "The creation of the Atlas Platform represents Actis' commitment to Latin America, recognizing its continued robust potential for renewable energy growth. This business plan will be led by a strong, tested management team with proven track record in the solar industry. We are delighted to back this management team to build and grow Atlas, and feel strongly that this transaction sets off the platform to a great start."
Carlos Barrera, CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy, added: "Actis is the undisputed leader in setting up successful platforms in Latin America and other growth markets globally. We look forward to working with them to position Atlas Renewable Energy as one of the leading renewable platforms in Latin America."
Background
Actis is a leading investor in growth markets, delivering consistent competitive returns, responsibly. It has a growing portfolio of investments across Asia, Africa and Latin America and has raised over US$11 billion since inception.
The firm invests through insights gained from trusted relationships and local knowledge, deep sector expertise and an unparalleled heritage, set within a culture of active ownership.
Applying developed market disciplines to growth markets, an established team of c. 100 investment professionals in ten countries identify investment opportunities in response to two trends: rising domestic consumption and the need for sustained investment in infrastructure across private equity, energy and real estate asset classes.
Actis is a signatory to the United Nations backed Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), an investor initiative developed by the UNEP FI and the UN Global Compact. Actis targets consistent superior returns across asset classes over the long-term, bringing financial and social benefits to investors, consumers and communities. It calls this the positive power of capital.
