Aurinkokarhu Forms Collaborative Partnership to Expand its Portfolio with Medium-Scale Solar PV Projects
Aurinkokarhu, renowned for its expertise in large-scale solar PV projects, has embarked on a strategic collaboration aiming at diversifying its portfolio by incorporating smaller-scale projects. The initiative, which complements Aurinkokarhu’s core business, is in partnership with Smart Energies, major French Independent Power Producer (IPP) dedicated to distributed solar plants in Europe. This collaborative venture signifies a significant milestone for Aurinkokarhu, for which Etha Wind served as transaction manager.
The agreement focuses on the joint development of 30 MWp solar projects in South and West Finland ranging from 1 MWp to 5 MWp each. These projects are set to unlock substantial opportunities within the small scale PV sector. Aurinkokarhu is actively engaged in identifying suitable land areas for these endeavors, emphasizing the responsible use of land resources. The company will oversee the development phase of these projects until they are deemed ready for construction. Subsequently, Smart Energies will assume responsibility for the financing, construction and long-term operation of these solar PV projects.
Andreas Renfalt, CEO of Aurinkokarhu, stated, ”We are excited to partner with Smart Energies in this endeavor to make a positive impact on Finland’s renewable energy landscape. Our combined strengths will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. ”
Vianney de l’Estang, CEO of Smart Energies, added, ”This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to expand renewable energy projects globally. Finland’s potential for solar energy is vast, and we are thrilled to be part of its clean energy transformation. On top, we remain committed to our mission of actively seeking suitable lands with low land impacts, such as former fur farms, industrial lands or unusable lands, to develop future projects.”
ABOUT AURINKOKARHU
Aurinkokarhu is a leading Finnish solar energy developer with a project pipeline of approximately 1 GW or more. A total of ten large solar projects will be delivered over the next few years, with an expected total capacity of approximately 500 MW and an estimated investment value of around EUR 300 million. As of now, two projects have been handed over to investors after reaching ready to be built status.
ABOUT SMART ENERGIES
Smart Energies is a group specializing in the development, financing, construction and operation of land-saving solar photovoltaic projects (rooftops, parking lots, small ground projects). As of 05/01/2023, Smart Energies owns and operates more than 430 solar sites in Europe for a total installed capacity of 130 MWp. With 75 employees and a 2022 turnover of 33.3 MEUR, the group is one of the leaders on its markets in France, Italy, Greece and Sweden.