Amp Energy Secures Tax Equity and Debt Financing for $155M Community Solar Plus Storage Portfolio in Repeat Transactions with U.S. Bank and KeyBank – EQ Mag Pro
Denver, CO, August 25th – Amp Energy, a global Energy Transition Platform and renewable energy developer, today announced it has closed financing on its 61 MW | 6.5 MWh solar plus storage portfolio in Massachusetts and New York, valued at $155M. KeyBank led the construction and term debt, with U.S. Bank investing the tax equity for the portfolio, in the fourth transaction amongst the three parties since 2017.
Of the 13 projects that make up the portfolio, the majority will reach commercial operation this year, with the balance occurring in Q2, 2023. Three of the projects will incorporate DC-coupled energy storage and will be dispatched by the Amp X optimization and management platform, allowing the assets to autonomously optimize the battery output to maximize their fixed SMART program revenues, while participating in the ISO New England wholesale markets.
The integrated designs with DC-coupled energy storage, bifacial modules, along with proprietary optimization and design, once again highlights Amp’s emerging position as a leader in advanced technology.
“This latest round of financing into community solar transactions pushes Amp’s total tax equity and debt raised past $500M over the last few years in the US community solar market”, said Jared Donald, EVP and Head of Amp’s US Operations. “We’re pleased to have once again attracted top tier institutional financing with KeyBank and U.S. Bank, which speaks to their deep understanding of the market as well as the knowledge and diverse skillset of the Amp team.”
“Community solar makes the benefits of a less expensive, cleaner energy option accessible to those unable to install panels on their rooftop, and we’re proud to support Amp’s expansion in Massachusetts and New York,” said Justin Baker, vice president with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation’s Environmental Finance team. “Being responsible stewards of the environment is important to U.S. Bank and we’re committed to continued investments in solar.”
We’re excited to continue our partnership with Amp and grow community solar in Massachusetts and New York,” said Tyler Nielsen, Director in KeyBanc Capital Markets’ Utilities, Power & Renewable Energy Group, “Providing financing to optimize solar and storage also builds on the success of KeyBank’s National Community Benefits Plan which focuses on investments in affordable housing, mortgage and small business lending, and renewable energy.”
This strategic portfolio of solar plus storage assets continues Amp’s investment in the New York and Massachusetts community solar markets, creating jobs and supporting economic development while also responding to growing consumer demand for clean, renewable power generation.
Amp’s long-term ownership and operation of its projects places a high priority on working together with landowners, towns and other local stakeholders to ensure a valuable, long-term partnership in the fight against climate change.
The US operations of Amp, formed in 2016 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, saw its real assets business surpass 200 MW of operating and in-construction assets this year, with a further 500 MW to be built over the coming 2-3 years.
About Amp
Amp is a global energy transition platform.
We develop, own and operate clean energy assets throughout our core markets around the world. Alongside Amp X, our disruptive grid-edge technology platform utilizing proprietary artificial intelligence expertise, we are reimagining the grid and leading the Energy Transition. The company is headquartered in Toronto with global operations throughout North America, the UK, Australia, Japan, Spain and Czech Republic.
Founded in 2009, Amp is a high-growth disruptor at scale, backed by major investments from institutional capital partners including most recently Carlyle, which invested US$374 million for a minority stake in the company in late 2020.
