ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd. India’s leading renewable energy independent power producer has announced an investment of $200 million via an equity fundraise for a 10 percent stake in the company through the subscription of newly issued shares by JERA Co., Inc., a leading Japanese power company with a global presence. Following the company’s founding six years ago, this latest investment round now values ReNew Power at $2 billion.
JERA Co., is a joint venture between two of Japan’s largest utilities companies, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. As one of the world’s leading energy firms its capabilities expand across in the entire energy supply chain, from participation in LNG and other fuel resource projects and fuel procurement, through fuel transportation to power generation. JERA currently operates approximately 6 GW of energy assets globally across North America, the Middle East and SE Asia. This investment in ReNew Power marks its first entry into India’s energy sector.
In India, significant economic growth has brought increased demand for electricity. In addition, the Indian government has set a target of introducing 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind power generation by 2022. ReNew Power will play an important role in achieving these targets. This is also JERA’s first major investment in the renewable energy sector and signifies the importance to JERA of developing a balanced overseas power generation portfolio that includes renewable energy. Adding to its renewable energy portfolio is an integral part of JERA’s plans to secure sustainable growth.
Yuji Kakimi, President of JERA, said, “As a ReNew Power shareholder, we will seek to contribute to the company by making available technical, operational, project development, and management experience gained through our global power businesses. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with ReNew Power and making a positive contribution to India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability by leveraging and augmenting ReNew Power’s success in developing its renewable energy capacity.”
Founded in 2011 by Sumant Sinha and funded by Goldman Sachs, who remains the majority shareholder, ReNew Power is committed to leading a change in the country’s current energy portfolio by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices and thereby reducing India’s carbon footprint. The company as an independent power producer creates value through the reliable and efficient generation of non-conventional power through innovation in solar and wind power solutions. Prior to this investment by JERA, in addition to Goldman Sachs, existing world-class investors include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Asian Development Bank and Global Environmental Fund.
Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew Power said, “We are delighted that JERA has chosen to enter the Indian renewable energy sector by an investment in our ever-expanding and fast-growing company. Their belief and investment in us further reinforce our capabilities and commitment towards changing the future of India through transforming our country’s energy landscape. ReNew Power will continue to focus on developing sustainable and innovative solar and wind energy solutions and investing in high-quality projects to create positive returns for our stakeholders.”
Ankur Sahu, co-Head of private equity in Asia at Goldman Sachs, said, “An investment from a preeminent organisation like JERA is an important corporate milestone. From our first round of funding to found the company just six years ago, ReNew Power has successfully grown to become one of the largest, fastest-growing and well-funded renewable energy companies in India. As the company embarks on its next phase of growth, on behalf of all existing shareholders, we welcome JERA as our latest strategic partner.”
In April 2016, ReNew Power became the first company in India to achieve 1 GW of commissioned wind and solar energy capacity. In November 2016, the company was mandated to install 5 MW of renewable energy capacity across India for state-owned Indian Railways and emerged as the largest winner of the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s roof top auction, where 10 percent of the total capacity of 500 MW was won. Today, ReNew Power has a commissioned capacity of 1.5 GW with an additional 1.8 GW of assets under construction across India.
Photo: Courtesy of ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd