Foresight, Island GP Form JV to Develop 700 MW Solar Projects in the UK

Foresight Group and Island GP have formed a JV to develop a pipeline of greenfield solar projects worth a combined 700 MW across the UK.

Foresight Group LLP and Island Green Power (Island GP) have announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) to develop a pipeline of greenfield solar projects across the UK. The JV aims to develop five projects located in England and Wales, with a total generating capacity of close to 700 MW.

Peter Bolton, Director, Foresight said “as a highly experienced renewable energy investor, Foresight is well positioned for the anticipated second phase of growth in the UK solar sector. Opportunities for asset optimisation and a continual reduction in capital costs will make unsubsidised solar investment increasingly attractive. Island GP has a strong track record of solar development and continues to develop a high-quality pipeline of new sites. The joint venture’s five projects will help increase the UK’s proportion of generating capacity from renewable energy sources, as is required by the Government’s “net zero” targets.”

This agreement with Island GP is the second JV Foresight has entered into in as many months, following the announcement in September with Elgin Energy to develop 200 MW of solar PV assets across the UK.

Ian Lawrie, Director of Island GP UK commented “having successfully developed in excess of 1 GW of solar projects in Australia, UK, Ireland and Spain we are delighted to have formed a joint venture with Foresight that allows us to accelerate our development efforts in the UK. Foresight is a leading investor in renewables infrastructure and we look forward to growing their solar portfolio as the energy revolution continues.

“We had several suitors wanting to enter into a similar joint venture with us and we are delighted that Foresight came through in the most efficient manner and with the best deal for Island Green Power”

Foresight is a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager which has been managing investment funds on behalf of institutions and retail clients for more than 36 years. It has over GBP 6.5 billion of Assets Under Management, of which GBP 3.7 billion relates to renewable energy infrastructure. It currently manages more than 250 renewable generation assets globally, with a total generating capacity of 2.5 GW.