TotalEnergies Acquires VSB Group for $1.65 Billion
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Swiss asset manager Partners Group for the acquisition of VSB Group, a Germany based renewable energy project developer for $1.65 billion (equity value and shareholder loan).
On another side in line with its Integrated Power business model, TotalEnergies has signed another agreement with funds managed by the US-based Apollo Global Management for the sale of 50% of a portfolio of 2 GW solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects located in Texas.
This transaction will provide $800 million cash to TotalEnergies ($550 million equity from Apollo and $250 million shareholder loan refinancing).
According to TotalEnergies, VSB is a renewable leader in Europe with nearly 30 years of experience and has built a recognised expertise and notable track record in the development of onshore wind power farms across Europe (more than 2 GW of developed capacity).
VSB has over 475 MW of renewable capacity in operation or under construction mainly in Germany and France, and a pipeline of 18 GW of wind, solar and battery storage technologies mainly across Germany, Poland and France.
This transaction will strengthen TotalEnergies Integrated Power value chain in Germany, which represents half of VSB’s portfolio. This complements the recent acquisitions of battery storage developer Kyon Energy and energy manager Quadra Energy, as well as TotalEnergies’ major offshore wind positions in northern Germany. In addition, this transaction will reinforce TotalEnergies’ top 3 position in renewable power in France.
The completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of applicable merger control authorities.
Second Pact
The second agreement pertains to a portfolio consists of three solar projects with a total capacity of 1.7 GW, and two battery storage projects with a capacity of 300 MW.
Following this transaction subject to certain conditions precedent, TotalEnergies will retain a 50% stake and remain the operator of the assets, which are Danish Fields, Cottonwood, and Hill Solar I. The electricity production of these projects has either already been sold to third parties or will be commercialized by TotalEnergies.
Stéphane Michel, president of Gas, Renewables and Power at TotalEnergies said that in line with their strategy, these transactions will enable the company to optimise its capital allocation in renewables and contributes to improve the profitability of our Integrated Power business.
“We welcome the employees of VSB Group and their leading onshore wind expertise in European markets. Their competences and assets will contribute to the development of our Integrated Power strategy in Europe, and notably in Germany. We are also looking forward to joining forces with Apollo as a partner in our renewable assets in Texas,” he added.
Integrated Power business model
TotalEnergies is building a competitive portfolio that combines renewables (solar, onshore wind, offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers.
To achieve its 12% profitability target for the Integrated Power business, TotalEnergies plans to sell up to 50% of its wholly owned renewable assets once they reach commercial operation date (COD) and are de-risked, allowing the company to maximise asset value and manage risks.
By the end of 2024, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity had reached over 24 GW. TotalEnergies will continue to expand this business to reach 35 GW in 2025 and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030.
