OX2 Acquires Oz Solar, Storage Developer

               OX2 has signed an agreement to acquire Australian renewables developer ESCO Pacific for AUD126m (SEK 872m). The transaction is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions and is expected to close by the end of April. ESCO Pacific has a total project development portfolio of 1420MW, comprising 1220MW solar and 200MW energy storage. The split between late/mid/early in the portfolio is 317MW/395MW/708MW. In addition, the company has a number of pre-early projects that are expected to be included in the project development portfolio during 2023. OX2 has identified considerable potential for value creation in ESCO Pacific through extension of the product offering from sale of project rights to the sale of turnkey solutions at construction start. It now plans to scale up operations through acquisitions in solar and energy storage and has the ambition to expand operations to onshore wind while exploring offshore wind and hydrogen. The agreed purchase price amounts to AUD126m on a debt free basis. In addition, there is a contingent consideration amounting to up to AUD 17m to the founder based on sales and margins in 2025-2027 from the acquired project development portfolio. ESCO Pacific has a strong track record with rapid growth, having developed and taken more than 800MW to construction since inception in 2015, OX2 said.  ESCO Pacific is currently owned by Shell (49%), the founder Steve Rademaker and private investors.

               OX2 has agreed with Steve Rademaker to stay with the company for two years, initially as Managing Director and thereafter as an advisor to management. OX2 and Shell will maintain a partnership dialogue regarding future collaboration, including PPA offtake opportunities. The Australian market offers significant growth potential for renewables, the developer added. In 2022, total electricity generation amounted to 265TWh with a fossil share of around 70%. The Australian government is committed to the net zero target by 2050 and is targeting significant infrastructure investments to enable build-up of renewable capacity.  Paul Stormoen, chief executive of OX2, said: “I am very happy to announce our entry into the Australian market and to welcome an experienced local team to OX2. “Through this transaction, we get an attractive development portfolio in a growing renewables market, while also significantly strengthening our capabilities within solar and energy storage. “This gives us a solid foundation for profitable expansion in Australia.” Rademaker added: “We have found a great buyer for ESCO Pacific. “OX2 is a strong player with excellent track record, and they will no doubt have the ability to significantly grow the footprint in Australia.”