Hannon Armstrong invests in a 1.3 GW renewables portfolio in the US

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (HASI), a leading investor in climate solutions, announced the close of two new programmatic investments in grid-connected renewable energy assets developed, owned and operated by the AES Corporation, one of the largest developers and operators of clean power in the United States, with a 51-gigawatt (GW) development pipeline in the U.S.

Per the agreement, signed on December 22, 2022, HASI will make a common equity investment in an approximately 1.3-GW portfolio of operating solar and wind projects located across six states: Arizona, California, New York, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia. Additionally, HASI is financing land owned by AES for a solar project and a standalone battery energy storage system in California.

"We are thrilled to expand our programmatic relationship with AES through this new partnership, which is designed to encourage additional investments over the next several years," said Susan Nickey, Chief Client Officer of Hannon Armstrong. "AES' purpose to accelerate the future of energy and create a sustainable future is totally aligned with our mission as a climate positive investor," added Nickey.

"AES is committed to accelerating a greener, smarter energy future," said Leo Moreno, President of AES Clean Energy. "This investment creates an opportunity to expand our development of renewable energy projects, growing our portfolio of wind, solar and battery energy storage facilities across the U.S."

In accordance with the terms of the equity investment in the renewable energy portfolio, HASI intends to acquire a 49 percent equity interest in the portfolio that includes 17 operating solar projects, and one wind project. With a weighted average remaining contract life of 18 years, the portfolio's cash flows are contracted with a diverse group of predominately investment-grade corporate, utility, and municipal off-takers. AES will continue to own and operate the assets.

The additional solar and storage land financings build on the five-year track record of solar land transactions with AES' clean energy business in the U.S.

"These senior-level land financing and common equity transactions with AES are a great example of how we help solve the multiple investment needs of our clients, all transacted with an integrated team," said Manny Haile-Mariam, Managing Director of Hannon Armstrong