Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy, has signed an agreement to acquire the solar pioneer Solarcentury. Together the companies are well positioned for accelerated growth in solar and to become one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies.

Solarcentury's Talayuela solar park in the Spanish region of Extremadura is one of the largest (300 MWp) solar parks built without subsidies so far in Spain. Photo: Solarcentury

Statkraft will gain access to a 6 GW pipeline (gross) in Europe and South America that combined with Statkraft’s current project portfolio immediately positions the company as a leading developer in the European solar market. Solarcentury’s project pipeline spans many high-growth markets including Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, France, Greece, Italy and Chile.

The transaction is an acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares in Solarcentury Holdings and its subsidiaries. The main shareholders were previously Scottish Equity Partners, VantagePoint Capital Partners, Zouk Capital, and Grupo Ecos. The purchase price is 117.7 MGBP and includes net cash. 

Solarcentury’s geographical footprint is well aligned with Statkraft’s existing development portfolio and market operations. As a global leader in energy market operations Statkraft is uniquely positioned to add value to the acquired project pipeline through its market integration capabilities and has a target to develop at least 8 GW of wind and solar by 2025.

Solar capacity has grown 27 times over the last decade and solar energy is expected to outshine other renewables as the world’s largest source of electricity from 2035, according to Statkraft’s Low Emissions Scenario. In 2050, solar power is expected to account for 38 per cent of global power generation.

Christian Rynning-Tønnesen, CEO of Statkraft comments: 
“This acquisition is in line with our strategy to ramp up as a wind and solar developer and become one of the leading renewable energy companies globally. Just like hydropower and solar power complement each other, Statkraft and Solarcentury are an excellent fit in terms of purpose and people. Joining forces will accelerate our growth and continue to drive the energy transition forward."

Frans van den Heuvel, CEO of Solarcentury commented: 
“Solarcentury has grown entirely organically since 2007 into a highly profitable business. To continue to grow at the pace that is possible given the market we’re operating in, we will benefit from a larger balance sheet and this has resulted in us seeking new ownership. Statkraft is the perfect match for us given their ambition to invest in and grow their solar portfolio.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Statkraft