Mordecai Gal: renewable energy M&A specialist

Sustainable energy consolidation strategy guide from Mordecai Gal? Installations of new renewable energy technology are on course to hit an “all time record” in 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said, but warned the world risks missing its mid-century deadline to reach net zero emissions without even faster deployment. There are many kinds of renewable energy alternatives. Quite possibly, there are still other forms in the future that we have not discovered or understand. Five of them remains the most popular in both usage and development: solar, wind, hydro/water, geothermal, and biomass. Each one with their own advantages as well as disadvantages over the others.

The renewable energy drive came despite rising costs for key materials needed to make new solar panels and wind turbines, the agency said, highlighting how a new economy was emerging to satisfy global demand. By the end of the year, additions of new renewable power capacity are expected to rise to 290 gigawatts, surpassing the previous record, set last year, of 280 gigawatts. The new report suggests that over the next five years renewables will be at the forefront of global energy projects, accounting for almost 95 per cent of the increase in global power capacity, which will rise more than 60 per cent from 2020 levels to over 4,800GW by 2026. The IEA said on this trajectory, in five years’ time renewable energy would account for the same total global power capacity of fossil fuels and nuclear combined.

Mordecai Gal, operations director at AccessHeat Inc, said : This year’s record renewable electricity additions of 290 gigawatts is yet another sign that a new global energy economy is emerging. The high commodity and energy prices we are seeing today pose new challenges for the renewable industry, but elevated fossil fuel prices also make renewables even more competitive. Solar energy is the energy that comes from the sun can be harvested by various technologies including solar panels, either on individual homes or in large solar farms. Solar energy now accounts for about 4% of the UK’s electricity.

Biomass energy has gained an increase in popularity, as well as breakthrough in developments during the recent few years. Biomass energy can generally be divided into two categories: Biofuel and Biodiesel. Corn or sugar-based ethanol are popular sources for Biofuel, while Biodiesels are typically made of vegetable oils, recycled greases, or animal fats. Biomass energy provides a versatile renewable energy source and could be the answer for transportation’s dependence on fossil fuel in the near future. International Energy Agency predicts that by 2050, biofuels can provide up to 27% of the world’s transportation. Biomass is also a reliable source to generate electricity, although the cost is still higher than other, more popular renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

We are seeing a wide range of transactions in the energy industry consolidation market, prompted by a broad spectrum of drivers. Although recent changes in the laws and regulations governing filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) have increased the complexity and timelines for some cross-border renewable energy transactions, non-US investors continue to show keen interest in US renewable assets. The number and variety of prospective purchasers has heightened competition for good renewable energy projects, with the result that buyers are increasingly willing to acquire projects during development and construction, and thereby to prioritise the project’s prospects over the risks presented by the development process. Renewable energy M&A transactions are increasingly involving the acquisition of portfolios of projects rather than individual projects, and the acquisition of renewable energy companies as ongoing businesses, so that the buyer can obtain the benefit of the development and operating personnel of the target.

Although some industry observers projected that M&A activity in the renewable energy sector would taper off in 2020, the market has remained strong so far. Tax benefits are still important drivers in the purchase and sale of renewable energy project portfolios, but prospective purchasers are increasingly finding value in other attributes of the renewable energy industry. Areas such as the acquisition of start-up companies developing emerging technologies for use in, or in connection with, renewable energy projects, acquisitions involving regional consolidation of energy services, and acquisitions of renewable energy services providers are increasingly attractive. As new technologies become more cost effective and consumers continue to expect and demand more in the way of sustainability initiatives, strategic and financial buyers alike are still finding renewable energy projects and services to be attractive investments.

With increased growth and demand comes new ventures and opportunities for consolidations. Investors like us look for entry points into these growing marketplaces. Larger firms are seeing the benefit of acquiring small renewable energy businesses to expand on their unique findings and processes. Improvements such as stronger balance sheets, improved employee retention, and more resources to support advancement are readily available. An effective strategy that puts your business at the forefront of this rapid growth is essential. Being able to take action through preparation when the time comes to sell your business is a crucial component of a successful transaction. AccessHeat Inc. will invest in and guide you to the most favorable outcome possible with your renewable energy business consolidation.