Aquila Clean Energy EMEA: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA is a leading European clean energy company specializing in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy assets, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, onshore wind farms, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Established in 2006, the company has grown to manage a diverse portfolio exceeding 11 gigawatts (GW) across Europe.

Mission and Vision

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA is committed to accelerating Europe's energy transition by delivering affordable, clean energy solutions through innovative and technology-driven approaches. The company aims to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the European energy sector, supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus areas include:

• Solar PV: Developing and operating large-scale solar energy projects.

• Onshore Wind: Establishing and managing onshore wind farms.

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Implementing energy storage solutions to enhance grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources.

Industry Significance

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA plays a pivotal role in Europe's renewable energy landscape, contributing to the continent's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources. The company's extensive project pipeline and operational expertise position it as a key player in advancing the energy transition.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Project Development: Identifying and developing greenfield projects across Europe.

• Operational Excellence: Ensuring efficient construction and long-term operation of renewable energy assets.

• Market Integration: Optimizing energy production and storage to meet market demands and support grid stability.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Hybrid Energy Solutions: Combining solar PV, wind, and BESS to create integrated energy systems.

• Geographical Diversification: Expanding operations across multiple European countries to mitigate risks and leverage diverse market opportunities.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Advanced Battery Storage: Deploying state-of-the-art BESS technologies to store and dispatch energy efficiently.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Utilizing sophisticated grid management and optimization techniques to integrate renewable sources seamlessly.

Primary Markets Targeted

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA focuses on high-potential European markets, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Poland, aiming to capitalize on favorable regulatory environments and growing demand for renewable energy.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

The company has secured substantial financing to support its expansive project pipeline:

• €1 Billion Construction Facility: In September 2022, Aquila Clean Energy EMEA finalized a €1 billion construction facility under the InvestEU programme, backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and seven commercial banks. This financing supports the development of over 50 renewable energy projects in Spain and Portugal, totaling 2.6 GW.

Recent Funding Rounds

• 2022 Financing: The €1 billion facility mentioned above was a significant funding milestone, enabling the company to advance its renewable energy projects in Southern Europe.

Notable Investors

The financing involved the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a consortium of seven commercial banks, highlighting strong institutional confidence in Aquila Clean Energy EMEA's projects.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is allocated towards:

• Project Development: Advancing the development and construction of renewable energy projects across Europe.

• Operational Expansion: Enhancing operational capabilities to manage a growing portfolio of assets.

• Market Integration: Implementing technologies and strategies to integrate renewable energy into the European power grid effectively.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA manages a diverse pipeline of projects, including:

• Solar PV Projects: Large-scale solar farms in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

• Onshore Wind Farms: Wind energy projects in Greece and Poland.

• Battery Energy Storage Systems: BESS projects in Germany, Finland, and other European countries.

Stages of Development

The company's projects are at various stages:

• Development: Identifying and securing sites, obtaining permits, and conducting feasibility studies.

• Construction: Building and commissioning renewable energy facilities.

• Operation: Managing and optimizing energy production and storage.

Target Conditions

The projects aim to address:

• Renewable Energy Integration: Facilitating the integration of renewable sources into the energy mix.

• Grid Stability: Enhancing grid reliability through energy storage solutions.

• Sustainable Development: Contributing to environmental sustainability and local economic growth.

Anticipated Milestones

• 2024: Completion of several solar PV and BESS projects in Spain and Portugal.

• 2025: Operationalization of wind farms in Greece and Poland.

• 2026: Commissioning of large-scale BESS projects in Germany and Finland.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA employs advanced technologies in:

• Battery Storage: Utilizing cutting-edge BESS technologies to store and dispatch energy efficiently.

• Grid Management: Implementing sophisticated systems for integrating renewable energy into the power grid.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Employing data-driven approaches to optimize asset performance and market participation.

• Hybrid System Design: Developing integrated energy solutions combining solar, wind, and storage to enhance efficiency and reliability.

AI-Driven Capabilities

The company collaborates with AI-driven optimization platforms to enhance the performance of its BESS projects, ensuring optimal market participation and revenue generation.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Susanne Wermter: Chair of Aquila Clean Energy EMEA, responsible for leading the shareholder committee and ensuring high governance standards. She served as CEO from 2013 to 2024.

• Andrew Wojtek: Chief Executive Officer since February 2024, with over 15 years of experience in infrastructure and energy investing.

• Marc Lohoff: Chief Operating Officer, leading the project delivery team across EMEA, with a background in renewable energies since 2009.

• Dorothee Privat: Chief Financial Officer since 2024, overseeing finance with over 18 years of experience in the renewable energy sector.

• Sebastian Krull: Head of Portfolio Management, responsible for overseeing the strategic performance and optimization of renewable energy assets.

• Guillaume Lasserre: Head of Investment Management, managing a team of investment professionals across Germany and Spain, with over fifteen years of transaction experience.

Leadership Changes

In February 2024, Andrew Wojtek was appointed CEO, succeeding Susanne Wermter, who transitioned to the role of Chair.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The European renewable energy market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by ambitious decarbonization targets and supportive policies. The demand for clean energy solutions is increasing, creating a competitive landscape for companies like Aquila Clean Energy EMEA.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Enel Green Power: A global leader in renewable energy with a diverse portfolio.

• Iberdrola: A major player in the European renewable energy sector.

• EDP Renewables: Specializing in wind and solar energy projects.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Aquila Clean Energy EMEA has established strategic partnerships and collaborations within the industry to enhance project development, technology deployment, and market integration.