Actis Buys Polish Wind Farms from CVC DIF

Actis has bolstered its European renewable energy footprint with the acquisition of a significant Polish wind power portfolio from CVC DIF. The deal sees the infrastructure fund manager CVC DIF successfully exit its investment in Klara Renewables, a collection of six operational onshore wind farms totaling 171 MW of installed capacity.

This transaction represents a full-cycle achievement for CVC DIF, which acquired the development-stage projects between 2020 and 2021. The firm then meticulously guided them through the crucial phases of procurement, financing, and construction, transforming them into fully operational assets. The portfolio now contributes approximately 500 GWh of clean electricity annually to Poland's grid, a vital contribution to the nation's energy transition goals.

The financial stability of the acquired assets is underpinned by long-term, 15-year contracts for difference with the Polish government. These agreements ensure fixed pricing for a substantial portion of the expected energy output, providing a predictable revenue stream and mitigating market volatility. This contracted nature is a key attraction for infrastructure investors seeking stable, long-term returns.

Under CVC DIF's management, the wind farms demonstrated exceptional operational performance, achieving an average technical availability of around 99%. This high level of reliability is attributed to the deployment of proven Vestas turbine technology, robust long-term operational support agreements, and the expertise of a dedicated local management team. Such operational excellence is a hallmark of successful infrastructure asset management.

The divestment aligns with CVC DIF's strategic objective of realizing value and returning capital to its investors. Andrew Freeman, Partner and Head of Divestments at CVC DIF, highlighted the transaction as a testament to their hands-on asset management approach, which successfully generated attractive returns while supporting Central and Eastern Europe's renewable energy expansion. This exit underscores the growing investor appetite for well-managed, operational renewable assets in emerging European markets.

For Actis, this acquisition strengthens its position in the European renewable energy sector. The addition of a fully operational and contracted wind portfolio in Poland is particularly strategic, given the country's ongoing commitment to expanding its renewable generation capacity. The Polish renewable energy market has seen substantial growth, driven by supportive government policies and increasing demand for sustainable power solutions.

CVC DIF received advisory services from PwC for financial matters and Dentons for legal counsel throughout the transaction process. This deal reflects a broader trend of infrastructure funds actively managing and divesting assets to optimize portfolio performance and reallocate capital towards new opportunities in the dynamic energy transition space.