Interim Results to 30 June 2022

RNS Number : 0185Z
Greencoat Renewables PLC
12 September 2022
 

 

Greencoat Renewables 2022 Interim Results

Dublin, London | 12 September 2022: Greencoat Renewables PLC ("Greencoat Renewables" or the "Company"), the renewable infrastructure company invested in euro-denominated assets, today announces its results for the six months ended 30 June 2022.

Highlights - Continued Investment across Geographies and Technologies

· The Group's investments generated 1,127GWh of electricity (H1 2021: 745GWh) in the period.

 

· Net cash generation of €92.1 million (H1 2021: €40.2million), delivering gross dividend cover of 3.0x (H1 2021 1.8x).

 

· Total installed capacity increased to 1,028MW (H1 2021: 686MW) in the period, as a result of an increase in portfolio size to 28 wind farms (H1 2021: 23) and the Killala battery project becoming operational.

 

· GAV increased to €2,155 million (H1 2021: €1,442 million) and NAV increased to €1,256 million (H1 2021: €749 million).

 

· Delivered continued geographic diversity with acquisitions across Germany and Spain as well as continued investments in Ireland.

 

· Declared total dividends of 3.09 cent per share with respect to the period.

 

· Successful capital raising activity in the period with gross proceeds of €281.5 million raised in an oversubscribed placing.

 

· €898.7 million Aggregate Group Debt, equivalent to 42% of GAV.

 

Commenting on the results, Ronan Murphy, Non-Executive Chairman of Greencoat Renewables, said:

"The six months to 30 June 2022 was another active period for the Company, as we added 217MW of new generating assets to the portfolio, taking our total installed capacity above the 1GW threshold. We achieved a further milestone with the acquisition of our first offshore wind asset in Germany and strengthened our European diversification with agreements to acquire new assets in Spain, Sweden and France.

Over the past 12 months we have committed €867 million into renewable generation assets, with elevated power prices supporting increased levels of reinvestment.

With Europe expected to require €1 trillion of new clean energy investment by 2040, the Company is well positioned to play a significant role in enabling and accelerating this transition, directly contributing to meeting emissions targets and reducing reliance on gas across Europe."

 

Key Metrics


As at 30 June 2022



Market capitalisation

€1,346.7 million

Share price

118.0 cent

Dividends with respect to the period

€35.3 million

Dividends with respect to the period per share

3.09 cent

GAV

€2,154.8 million

NAV

€1,256.1 million

NAV per share

110.1 cent

Premium to NAV

7.2%

CO2 emissions reduced per annum

677,000 tonnes

Homes powered per annum

485,800 homes

Funds committed in community funds and social projects

> €1 million

 

 

 

Conference call for analysts and investors

 

A conference call and webcast for analysts and investors will be held at 10.00am BST today, 12 September 2022. To register please contact  FTI Consulting by email at  Greencoat@fticonsulting.com .

 

Presentation materials are available on the Company's website:  www.greencoat-renewables.com  

 

  --- ENDS ---

 

  For further information on the Announcement, please contact:

 

  Greencoat Renewables PLC:    +44 20 7832 9400

  Bertrand Gautier

  Paul O'Donnell  

  Tom Rayner

 

  Davy (Joint Broker, Nomad and

  Euronext Growth Listing Sponsor)     +353 1 6796363

  Ronan Veale

  Barry Murphy

 

 

  RBC (Joint Broker)    +44 20 7653 4000

  Matthew Coakes

  Duncan Smith

  Elizabeth Evans

 

  FTI Consulting (Media Enquiries)      greencoat@fticonsulting.com

  Melanie Farrell  +353 86 401 5250

  Orla Cox

 

  About Greencoat Renewables PLC

  Greencoat Renewables PLC is an investor in euro-denominated renewable energy infrastructure assets. Initially focused solely on the acquisition and management of operating wind farms in Ireland, the Company is now also investing in wind and solar assets in certain other European countries with stable and robust renewable energy frameworks. It is managed by Greencoat Capital LLP, an experienced investment manager in the listed renewable energy infrastructure sector.

 

 



 

 

Greencoat Renewables PLC

Interim Report

  For the six months ended 30 June 2022

At a Glance

 

Summary

Greencoat Renewables PLC is a sector-focused listed renewable infrastructure company, investing in renewable electricity generation assets. The Company's aim is to provide investors with an annual dividend that increases progressively whilst growing the capital value of its investment portfolio in the long term through reinvestment of excess cash flow and the prudent use of portfolio leverage.

 

Highlights

 

· The Group generated 1,127GWh of electricity, which was 4% behind budget, predominantly due to constraints and curtailments in Ireland.

 

· Net cash generation (Group and wind farm SPVs) was €92.1 million (gross of SPV level debt repayment).

 

· Acquisition of three wind farms, across multiple geographies: Borkum Riffgrund 1 in Germany, Soliedra in Spain and Tullahennel in Ireland, along with the forward sale acquisition of Erstrask North in Sweden.

 

· Increased portfolio to 28 wind farms, and a co-located battery project at Killala, bringing total installed capacity to 1,028MW and GAV to €2,155 million.

 

· The Company has declared total dividends of 3.09 cent per share with respect to the period.

 

· €898.7 million Aggregate Group Debt, equivalent to 42% of GAV.

 

Key Metrics


As at

30 June 2022

Market capitalisation

€1,346.7 million

Share price

118.0 cent

Dividends with respect to the period

€35.3 million

Dividends with respect to the period per share

3.09 cent

GAV

€2,154.8 million

NAV

€1,256.1 million

NAV per share

110.1 cent

Premium to NAV

7.2%

CO2 emissions reduced per annum

677,000 tonnes

Homes powered per annum

485,800 homes

Funds committed in community funds and social projects

> €1 million

 

 

Chairman's Statement

 

I am pleased to present Greencoat Renewables PLC's interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2022. It was a successful period in which the Company continued to build one of Europe's leading renewable infrastructure businesses. Our strategic progress was allied to a strong performance from our existing portfolio, delivering stable returns to our shareholders.

 

The period saw 217MW of new generating assets added to the Company's portfolio, taking our total installed capacity above the 1GW threshold. The Company achieved a significant milestone with the acquisition of our first offshore wind asset in Germany and further strengthened our European diversification with a commitment to acquire new assets in Spain, Sweden and France.

 

We are proud that the business contributes directly to a more sustainable economy, with the current portfolio generating enough clean electricity to eliminate 677,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from thermal generation.

 

Beyond electricity, we are focused on operating responsibly across the ESG spectrum and I am pleased with our progress and wider impact. We continue to work towards best-practice disclosure and the business is now reporting in line with TCFD recommendations, SFDR Article 9, and is 100% aligned to the EU Taxonomy for Climate Change Mitigation.

 

In April, the Company raised €281.5 million at an issue price of €1.12 per share in an oversubscribed placing, and I thank shareholders for their continued support. Our equity issuance strategy enables us to maintain sufficient agility to take advantage of current and future acquisition opportunities, while maintaining our gearing position within the Company's Investment Policy.

 

In summary, it has been a successful first half of the year in a period which saw considerable disruption to energy markets and indeed to economies and lives across the Continent. The importance of the transition to clean energy and securing energy independence is clearer than ever. With the EU expecting a requirement for up to €1 trillion in new investment by 2040, the Company is set to play a significant role in enabling and accelerating this transition.

 

Performance

The portfolio generated 1,127GWh in the period, up from 745GWh for the corresponding period last year.

 

Wind resource over the period was above forecast, while generation over the period was less than 4% below budget, predominately due to constraints and curtailments in Ireland.

 

As the portfolio has grown into new geographies, the business has benefitted from increased diversification both in terms of weather systems and power markets. Low correlation of wind speeds between Continental Europe and Ireland ensures stability of cashflows in periods of lower regional wind resource.

 

Net cash generation in the period was €92.1 million, delivering a gross dividend cover of 3.0x. In line with the Company's strategy, cash has been used to pay down debt and reinvest in the portfolio.

 

The past two years have emphasised the potential volatility in power prices and the corresponding importance of a prudent approach to forward price curves and contracting. The Investment Manager's in-house expertise in structuring and delivering both corporate and utility PPA's is an increasingly valuable tool for managing this power price risk. We now have merchant assets in Spain, Sweden, and Ireland, providing opportunities for a pan-European approach to providing renewable PPA's to corporate customers where required.

 

The Group's optimisation strategy continued with increased revenues from system services, alongside performance enhancement measures implemented across the portfolio.

 

Following the successful commissioning of our first co-located battery project at Killala wind farm in Ireland, we continue to assess opportunities to enhance the existing portfolio and to optimise investments with co-located facilities to maximise value.

 

Dividend and Returns

We are pleased to announce an increase in the Company's annual dividend for 2022 in line with the existing policy. The targeted annual dividend is now 6.18 cent per share, up from 6.06 cent per share in 2021, an increase of 2%.

 

The Company paid a quarterly dividend of 1.515 cents per share with respect to Q4, 2021 on 25 February 2022, a second and third dividend of 1.545 cents per share on 1 June and 26 August 2022, with a future dividend payment scheduled for November 2022.

 

NAV per share increased in the period from 105.1 cent per share on 31 December 2021 to 110.1 cent per share on 30 June 2022. This increase is attributable to higher power prices in the near term and adjustments to short term inflation assumptions in Ireland and Continental Europe.

 

Acquisitions & Diversification

The Company's plans for growth and diversification continued successfully with value accretive opportunities emerging across Continental Europe and consolidation of our leading position in Ireland. In aggregate, the Company committed or deployed over €712 million in the first six months of the year. A number of these transactions were in off-market, bilateral processes.

 

The past 12 months has seen 281MW of net capacity added outside of Ireland, and 50MW of net capacity within Ireland, reflective of the scale of opportunities we are seeing in Continental Europe.

 

In light of the increasing scope in the acquisition pipeline across Continental Europe, the Board is considering a change to the Investment Policy regarding the 40% limit on non-Ireland investments, in order to support the Company's continued diversification in Europe, providing access to a wider set of opportunities.

 

In total, three new assets were acquired in the first half of 2022:

Germany - A 50% stake in the 312MW offshore wind farm Borkum Riffgrund 1, alongside Ørsted, benefitting from a government-backed floor price until 2035.

Ireland - Tullahennel wind farm, a 37.1MW onshore wind farm which benefits from a long-term government-backed guaranteed floor price.

Spain - Soliedra wind farm, a 24MW onshore wind farm currently uncontracted with flexibility in the future to contract via a corporate PPA.

In addition, the Group entered into a forward sale agreement to acquire Erstrask North, a 134.4MW onshore wind farm located in Sweden.

 

The expansion into the Nordics last year and into Spain and Germany this year is indicative of the Company's intentions, seeing opportunities to aggregate significant investments in diversified geographies, as we have demonstrated in Ireland.

The Company continues to explore new European markets where we can see low Levelized Cost of Electricity ("LCOE") opportunities in both wind and solar, with underlying Euro denominated cashflows. This includes opportunities in the Baltics and Italy.

As at 30 June 2022, the Group's portfolio comprised 28 operational wind farms and a co-located battery project, with an aggregate net capacity of 1,027.6MW, with a further 356.1MW contracted to acquire.

 

Gearing

During the period, the Group entered into a new €275 million 5-year term debt facility to support value accretive acquisitions. This new term debt is complementary to the existing term debt facilities with bullet payments due between 2025 and 2028. More details are contained in the Interim Report.

 

The Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") was utilised early in the year to support acquisition activity and was repaid following the equity raise in early April in line with the Company's investment model. As at 30 June 2022, the RCF remains undrawn, with €300 million available.

 

A significant portion of the excess cash generated was used to directly acquire new assets for the portfolio, including Soliedra and more recently acquisitions in Q3, 2022, including a 67.7MW portfolio comprised of four wind farms in France from Axpo and the expected forward-sale acquisition of Kokkoneva, a 43.2MW wind farm in Finland, following successful commissioning.

 

Total Group debt, including the Company and SPV's, as at 30 June 2022 amounted to €898.7 million, which is 42% of GAV. While interest rates are rising, it is important to note that the Group has entered into long term interest rate hedges to minimise this risk. The Group continues its prudent use of low-cost debt (limited to 60% of GAV) which has further enhanced the Group's cash yield, while maintaining gearing levels well within the guidelines detailed in the Company's Investment Policy.

 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

As detailed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021, the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Company are generally unchanged and include:

§ Dependence on the Investment Manager;

§ Regulatory risks;

§ Financing risks; and

§ Risks of investment returns becoming unattractive.

Further, as detailed in the Company's Annual Report for the year to 31 December 2021, the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the investee companies are summarised as follows:

§ Electricity prices (volatility in the market price of electricity);

§ Dispatch down (reduction of output due to grid constraints and curtailments);

§ Regulation (changes in government policy or laws on renewable energy);

§ Wind resource (short term volatility);

§ Asset life (lower than expected life of the wind farm);

§ Market structure (risk of market structure change); and

§ Health and Safety and the Environment.

The principal risks outlined above remain the most likely to affect the Company and its investee companies in the second half of the year.

Environmental, Social and Governance

Central to the Company's strategy is growing a successful business that supports the transition to a net-zero carbon economy, in a way that positively impacts the communities and local environment in which we operate. With a continued focus on the challenges associated with climate change, the Company is also mindful of the current energy security risk and the role the Company has in mitigating this across Europe.

 

During 2022, the Company has made strong progress on key ESG areas including;

§ The completion of the first phase of physical risk modelling in line with TCFD recommendations;

§ The commencement of the first modern slavery audits of material service providers;

§ The completion of the first wind turbine recyclability study for the Company;

§ The completion of the CDP submission for the reporting year of 2021; and

§ The integration of the Company's ESG strategy across new geographies and technologies.

In addition, the Company's activities are aligned to the EU Taxonomy for Climate Change Mitigation and is reporting in line with the requirements for SFDR Article 9. The continued evolution of the Company's ESG strategy and its successful implementation will ensure the long-term success of the Company and protect the interests of shareholders and all stakeholders.

 

Board Composition and Governance

The Board places significant emphasis on reviewing its composition and skills; and ensuring that the Board's diversity - including gender, background, expertise and ethnicity, among other considerations - meets the needs of the business; matches the expectations of stakeholders; and brings fresh thinking to Board deliberations.

 

The Board has been engaged in a process to identify an additional candidate to appoint as a non-executive Director over the past year, with the support of an independent executive search agency. The Board was pleased to appoint Eva Lindqvist as an independent Director on 7 July 2022.

 

Eva is an experienced company Chair and Non-Executive Director with international experience in telecoms and infrastructure, having worked for more than 30 years across these sectors. She brings valuable senior experience to the Board and her appointment will also raise female representation on the Board to 40%, an important metric for the Company.

 

The Board notes that the re-appointment of Marco Graziano, Chairman of the Nominations Committee, as a non-executive director at the 2022 AGM was opposed by c.21% of shareholders. Following a consultation process held with shareholders, feedback indicated that opposition to Marco's reappointment was driven by the lack of gender diversity of the Board with only a 25% female representation at the time of the AGM. Since the summer of 2021, the Board was engaged in a process to appoint an additional Director to the Board and following the appointment of Eva Lindqvist as outlined, the increased female representation on the Board has addressed the issue raised by shareholders, aligns with market best-practice and meets the target for gender diversity set by the Board.

 

Outlook

The outlook for the Company remains strong, with a considerable pipeline of attractive assets in Continental Europe, and the opportunity for further consolidation of the Irish market.

 

Over the past six months, the Company has invested and committed €712 million into renewable generation assets across four countries. The Investment Manager's position as a long-standing strategic partner of developers and utilities creates co-investment opportunities which further enhance the ability of the business to identify and execute value accretive transactions.

 

The Company is clearly benefiting from having access to the widest opportunity set, enabled by our scale and geographic reach, with our core focus remaining the acquisition of contracted wind and solar assets. Whilst Ireland remains a core market, we expect future acquisitions to be weighted towards Europe as the Company continues to diversify. In particular, we expect to see continued growth in our offshore portfolio where we see significant value and potential for acquisitions.

 

Investment Management Agreement

We are pleased to announce that the Board has agreed a new five-year agreement with the Investment Manager. This process was commenced early in the year and was supported by the Company's brokers, RBC and J&E Davy, who provided benchmarking and independent recommendations that were reviewed and challenged by the Board. The new contract was agreed on beneficial terms to the Company, with an additional tier added to the cash fee structure, which will see a reduction in the fee charged in respect of NAV over €1,750 million, reflecting continued economies of scale as the business grows.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM took place on Friday 29 April 2022, with all resolutions passed without amendment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Board and I are very pleased with the overall performance of the Company in the six-month period and, in addition, we are excited about the future direction as the Company continues to expand its geographical diversity and technology mix.

 

Rónán Murphy

Chairman

11 September 2022.

 

Investment Manager's Report

 

Information about Investment Manager

Greencoat Capital LLP, the Investment Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Group's investment portfolio in accordance with the Company's investment objective and policy, subject to the overall supervision of the Board.

The Investment Manager is an experienced manager of renewable infrastructure assets with over €10 billion of assets under management. Following the recent investment by Schroders plc, the Investment Manager continues to operate in an independent capacity, and has a dedicated, unchanged team managing the Group, led by Bertrand Gautier and Paul O'Donnell.

The Investment Manager is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a full scope UK AIFM.

Portfolio Performance

Portfolio generation for the six months ended 30 June 2022 was 1,127GWh, 3.7% below budget. Wind resource was slightly above budget in our operating geographies, however, forced grid outages, constraints, and curtailments in Ireland were above expectations due to a continued backlog in the grid's delivery of upgrade projects. The Investment Manager is actively engaged with the regulator and wider industry to ensure full implementation of the EU Clean Energy Package.

 

Power Prices

Electricity demand and prices continued to increase over the period as Europe experienced a shortage of gas supply as well as the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic. Independent power price forecasts continue to view this as a short-to-medium-term spike, with expectations of a reversion to pre-pandemic levels in 12-24 months.

The Group operates a highly contracted portfolio, which we continue to view as the most prudent long-term approach. In the nearer term, the Group continues to benefit from merchant exposure in Sweden and Spain, along with certain assets in Ireland being exposed to higher power prices via the REFIT mechanism.

 

Inflation

Approximately 70% of portfolio cashflows are underpinned by government support mechanisms with underlying contracted tariffs that are inflation-linked to 2032. The past year saw significant rises in inflation across Europe, and we are currently forecasting 2022 inflation to be 6.0% in Ireland and a similar level in the rest of Europe. We remain pleased to have a portfolio of assets with such high levels of inherent protection.

 

Portfolio Management

The Group continues to actively manage its portfolio in concert with its O&M partners. As one of the largest operators of renewable assets in Europe, the Investment Manager is able to leverage its scale and experience to identify opportunities to optimise the portfolio. The Group's size also enables it to achieve economies of scale in contractual arrangements with its O&M partners.

Notable achievements include:

Performance improvement

§ Killala turbine smart yaw upgrade providing a 0.6% energy yield improvement;

§ Power upgrade on two sites, Knockacummer and Glencarbry, providing a c. 1% energy yield improvement;

§ Signed new HV maintenance contracts at a portfolio level to improve overall service and reduce costs; and

§ Increased participation in DS3 ancillary grid services.

 

Active PPA strategy

§ Implemented a new trading strategy at Knockacummer and Ballybane from 1 January 2022, which optimised constraint payments to yield additional revenue streams;

§ Actively tendering a number of renewable assets for long term PPAs, where the original support regimes are ending in 2023 and 2024.

Co-located battery project at Killala wind farm

The Killala Battery facility was fully operational in time for the DS3 contract start date of 1 April 2022, six months ahead of project schedule and within budget. The project is retendering for additional DS3 services in the current gate. Capacity market revenue will commence in Q4 2022, following the unit's success in the T-1 2022/2023 auction.

 

Health and safety

Health and safety are of paramount importance for both the Group and the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager reviews, on a monthly basis, comprehensive reports provided by operational site managers, which are also reviewed by Directors at Board meetings. In the period there have been in excess of 110 audits and site inspections across the portfolio carried out by our operations managers to ensure best practice is maintained.

The Investment Manager is pleased to report that there were no major incidents in the period ended 30 June 2022, with plans in place to ensure all sites receive an annual inspection by the Investment Manager during 2022.

 

Acquisitions

During the six-month period ending 30 June 2022, the Group completed three material acquisitions as noted below:

§ The 312MW Borkum Riffgrund 1 offshore wind farm, located in the North Sea, part of Germany's exclusive economic zone. The wind farm was developed and constructed by Ørsted, who remains a 50% shareholder and will continue to provide operation, maintenance and management services under a long-term contract. The wind farm benefits from a fixed-price CfD until September 2024. After this period, the project benefits from a government-backed floor price until May 2035. This provides exposure to power price upside, as well as the emerging European corporate PPA market opportunity.

 

 

§ The 24MW Soliedra wind farm located in Soria, in the region of Castilla y Leon, Spain. The Soliedra wind farm is currently contracted as a merchant asset, however, has flexibility in the future to be contracted via a corporate PPA.

 

§ The 37MW Tullahennel wind farm, located in County Kerry, Ireland with revenues contracted under the REFIT 2 scheme, providing a long-term guaranteed minimum floor price for the electricity generated until December 2032.

 

In addition to the above, the Group entered into an agreement in May 2022 to acquire a 67.7MW portfolio of operating wind farms in France which all benefit from French government long-term fixed-price contracts. The acquisition comprises 4 wind farms:

§ The 16MW Arcy-Précy windfarm located in the Burgundy region of France with a government-backed, fixed-price contract until August 2041;

 

§ The 9.4MW Butte de Menonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France with a government-backed, fixed-price contract until June 2041;

 

§ The 21.6MW Genonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France with a government-backed, fixed-price contract until February 2042.

 

§ The 20.7MW Grande Pièce windfarm, located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France with a government-backed, fixed-price contracted until August 2032.

 

The transaction which completed on 6 September 2022 is the Group's second portfolio acquisition in France.

 

Forward sale commitments

During the period, the Group entered into a forward sale commitment to acquire Erstrask North, a 134.4MW wind farm located in Norrbotten County, Sweden. This is the Group's second acquisition in this location, having acquired Erstrask South wind farm in October 2021. The wind farm construction is being financed and managed by Enercon, who will provide long term operations and maintenance services once fully commissioned in Q4 2023.

Other existing forward sale commitments include:

§ Kokkoneva 43.2MW wind farm, located in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, expected to reach commercial operations in Q3, 2022;

 

§ Torrubia, 50MW solar farm, located in La Muela, Spain. The deal represents the Group's first solar transaction and is expected to reach commercial operations in Q4, 2022;

 

§ Taghart 25.2MW wind farm, located in County Cavan, Ireland, expected to reach commercial operations in Q4, 2022; and

 

§ Cloghan 37.8MW wind farm, located in County Offaly, Ireland, expected to reach commercial operation in Q1, 2023.

 

In addition to the above commitments, post period end the Group recently committed to acquire South Meath, an 80.5MW solar farm located in County Meath, Ireland. This is the Group's first co-investment, with the remaining 50% being acquired in partnership with a pension fund, investing through a fund also managed by the Investment Manager. Statkraft will finance and manage the construction of the solar farm and will continue to provide management services once operational, with commencement of commercial operations expected in Q4 2023.

These projects, all under construction, are proceeding as planned, with no material issues effecting the planned completion timetable.

Financial Performance

Dividend cover for the six months ended 30 June 2022 was 2.7x net and 3.0x gross of project level debt repayment. Cash balances, which include the Group and the SPV wind farms, was €264.1 million at 30 June 2022.

 

Group and wind farm SPV cash flows

For the six months ended
30 June 2022


Net (1)

Gross (1)


€ 000

€ 000


 

 

Net cash generation

85,504

92,057

Dividends paid

(31,114)

(31,114)




SPV Capex & PSO Cashflow (2)

8,295

8,295

SPV level debt repayment

-

(6,553)




Acquisitions (3)

(422,034)

(422,034)

Acquisition costs

(2,046)

(2,046)




Equity issuance

281,514

281,514

Equity issuance costs

(4,451)

(4,451)




Net drawdown under debt facilities

275,000

275,000

Upfront finance costs

(74)

(74)




Movement in cash (Group and wind farm SPVs)

190,594

190,594

Opening cash balance (Group and wind farm SPVs)

73,464

73,464

Ending cash balance (Group and wind farm SPVs)

264,058

264,058




Net cash generation (1)

85,504

92,057

Dividends

31,114

31,114

Dividend cover

2.7x

3.0x

 

(1)  The dividend cover table shows two scenarios: the first reflects cash generation net of the Group's share of project level debt repayment (€6,553k) and the second is the net cash generation gross of SPV level debt repayments. The following wind farms contain project level debt: Cloosh Valley, Raheenleagh, Sliabh Bawn and Pasilly.

(2)  Cashflows reflect residual capital expenditure from acquired SPVs, being (€1.8 million), plus REFIT PSO working capital movements of €10.1 million relating to wind farm SPV's.

(3)  Acquisition consideration is net of the acquired SPV cash of €17 million.

 

The following two tables provide further detail in relation to net generation figures of €92.1 million (gross) and €85.5 million (net).

Net Cash Generation - Breakdown  

For the six months ended
30 June 2022


Net

Gross


€'000

€'000


 

 

Revenue

143,435

143,435

Operating expenses

(33,017)

(33,017)

Tax / VAT

(1,848)

(1,848)

Wind farm operating cashflow

108,570

108,570

SPV level debt interest

(2,774)

(2,774)

SPV level debt repayment

(6,553)

-

Wind farm cashflow

99,243

105,796




Management fee

(4,614)

(4,614)

Operating expenses

(2,034)

(2,034)

Ongoing finance costs

(7,124)

(7,124)

VAT

33

33

Group cashflow

(13,739)

(13,739)




Net cash generation

85,504

92,057

 

 

 

Net Cash Generation - Reconciliation to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the six months ended
30 June 2022


Net

Gross


€'000

€'000




Net cash flows from operating activities (1)

49,318

49,318

Movement in cash balances of wind farm SPVs (2)

46,541

46,541

SPV capex and PSO cashflow (3)

(10,834)

(10,834)

Cash used by the Company for SPV Bonds

(35,370)

(35,370)

Repayment of debt at SPV level (2)

-

6,553 

Repayment of shareholder loan investment (1)

41,858

41,858

Finance costs (1)

(8,833)

(8,833)

Upfront finance costs (cash) (4)

2,824

2,824

Net cash generation

85,504

92,057

 

(1)  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

(2)  Note 8 to the Financial Statements, excludes acquired cash.

(3)  Cashflows reflect REFIT working capital movements including the PSO relating to wind farm SPVs, being €12 million less residual capital expenditure from acquired SPVs of €1 million.

(4)  €2,824k includes €2,750k Facility C arrangement fees plus €74k professional fees (as per note 12 to the Financial Statements).

 

During the period, the 5.0 cent per share NAV increase is attributable to:

 

§ Cash generated over the period (minus dividend paid) of +6.3 cent;

§ Portfolio depreciation of -3.3 cent;

§ Impact of short-term CPI increase of +3.2 cent; and

§ Others (mostly mid to long-term power price forecast and increased business rates) -1.2 cent.

 

The Group also acquired three wind farms for a total of €454 million. The investments were financed by a mix of group debt, proceeds from the equity raise in April 2022, and organic cash generation.

 

Dividends totalling €31.1 million were paid in the period on 25 February and 9 June 2022.

The share price at 30 June 2022 was 118.0 cents, representing a 7.2% premium to NAV.


Cent per share


 

NAV at 31 December 2021

105.1

Less February 2022 dividend

(1.5)

NAV at 31 December 2021 (ex-dividend)

103.6



NAV at 30 June 2022

110.1

Less August 2022 dividend

(1.5)

NAV at 30 June 2022 (ex-dividend)

108.6



Movement in NAV (ex-dividend)

5.0

 

Reconciliation of Statutory Net Assets to Reported NAV

 


As at
30 June 2022

 

As at
31 December 2021


€'000

€'000




DCF valuation

1,892,237

1,470,117

Other relevant assets (wind farm SPVs)

2,169

20,397

Cash (wind farm SPVs)

131,744

68,419

Fair value of investments (1)

2,026,150

1,558,933

Cash (Group)

132,315

5,045

Other relevant (liabilities)/assets (2)

(3,645)

2,302

GAV

2,154,820

1,566,280

Aggregate Group Debt (3)

(898,696)

(631,080)

NAV

1,256,124

935,200

 



Reconciling items

-

-

Statutory net assets

1,256,124

935,200

 



Shares in issue

1,141,238,938

889,887,587

NAV per share (cent)

110.1

105.1

 

(1)  The fair value of investments are shown gross of €149 million debt and swap values held at wind farm SPV level that are not included in the equivalent figure in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

(2)  Other relevant assets at 30 June 2022 include €2.2 million of capitalised facility arrangement fees that are netted off against loans and borrowings (consistent with Note 12) to the financial statements.

(3)  Aggregate Group debt includes €149 million debt and swaps held at wind farm SPV level, plus three tranches of term debt being €275 million Facility A term debt, €200 million 7-year term debt and €275 million Facility C.

 

Gearing

As at 30 June 2022, the aggregate Group debt was €898.7 million, which equates to 42% of GAV. This comprises €750.0 million drawn under the Group's term debt facilities, plus the Group's proportionate share of asset level, long-term project finance debt of €149 million.

 

The Group's RCF at 30 June 2022 remains undrawn, with €300 million available to fund future investments. The group will continue to optimise the capital structure and take advantage of favourable debt market conditions.

 

Equity Issuance

In April 2022, the Company issued 251,351,351 new shares at an issue price of 112 cent per share raising gross proceeds of €281.5 million in an oversubscribed and NAV-accretive share placing. Net proceeds from the equity raise were used to repay the Group's drawn RCF and to fund future acquisitions in line with the Company's strategy.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance

The Group continues to make progress in 2022 on its ESG ambitions, as outlined in its ESG policy. The following summarises our ESG accomplishments in 2022:

§ Completion of the first phase of physical risk modelling in line with TCFD recommendations and SFDR;

§ Completion of the CDP submission for the reporting year of 2021;

§ Commencement of the first Modern Slavery audits on material service providers;

§ Completion of the Company's first study on wind turbine recyclability; and

§ Continuation of engagement with material service providers on recyclability and emissions.

The continued evolution of our ESG strategy and its successful implementation will ensure the long-term success of our business and protect the interests of shareholders and all stakeholders.

Further details of the Group's ESG initiatives, including its SFDR Disclosure Statement, can be found in the latest ESG report, available on the Company's website www.greencoat-renewables.com

 

Outlook

In summary, we are pleased to report another successful period for the Company, as a result of a strong operational performance, inherent inflation protection, and exposure to current power prices.

The outlook for the Group remains positive with an excellent pipeline in the medium term, combined with significant long-term growth in European renewables.

Driven by the transition to Net Zero and recent energy security concerns, we have seen a strong commitment to renewable deployment, and increased or accelerated targets for renewable capacity across our target European geographies.

 

Accordingly, the Group has high confidence in its European growth strategy, and sees excellent opportunities for continued diversification across geographies, technologies, and pricing structures. In particular, we believe the Group to be well-placed to take advantage of a growing opportunity to invest in European offshore wind, benefitting from the experience and existing relationships of the Investment Manager.

Given the accelerating opportunity in Continental Europe, we plan to consult shareholders on a change to the current 40% limit on investments outside of Ireland, to ensure that the Group is well placed to deliver on our growth potential with the full range of opportunities available in the market.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

 

The Directors acknowledge responsibility for the interim results and approve this Half Year Report. The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

 

a) the condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position and the profit of the Group as required by DTR 4.2.4R;

 

b) the interim management report, included within the Chairman's Statement and Investment Manager's Report, includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R, being the significant events of the first half of the year and the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

 

c) the condensed financial statements include a fair review of the related party transactions, as required by DTR 4.2.8R.

 

The Responsibility Statement has been approved by the Board.

 

Rónán Murphy

Chairman

11 September 2022.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 

Note

For the six months ended

30 June 2022

For the six months ended

30 June 2021



€'000

€'000





Return on investments

3

91,182

32,991

Other income

 

13

-

Total income and gains

 

91,195

32,991


 



Operating expenses

4

(7,807)

(4,605)

Investment acquisition costs

 

(3,419)

(2,309)

Operating profit

 

79,969

26,077


 



Finance expense

12

(4,926)

(3,362)

 

 

 

 

Profit for the period before tax

 

75,043

22,715


 



Taxation

5

-

-


 



Profit for the period after tax

 

75,043

22,715


 



Profit and total comprehensive income attributable to:

 

 

 

Equity holders of the Company

 

75,043

22,715


 



Earnings per share

 



Basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations during the period (cent)

6

7.42

3.06

 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

As at 30 June 2022

 

Note

30 June 2022

31 December 2021


 

€'000

€'000





Non current assets

 



Investments at fair value through profit or loss

8

1,877,453

 

1,408,802


 

1,877,453

1,408,802

Current assets

 



Receivables

10

386

359

Cash and cash equivalents

 

132,315

5,045


 

132,701

5,404

Current liabilities

 



Payables

11

(8,664)

(6,297)

Net current assets/(liabilities)

 

124,037

(893)

 

 

 


Non current liabilities

 

 


Loans and borrowings

12

(745,366)

(472,709)

Net assets

 

1,256,124

935,200


 



Capital and reserves

 



Called up share capital

14

11,413

8,898

Share premium account

14

942,885

668,405

Other distributable reserves

 

83,483

114,597

Retained earnings

 

218,343

143,300

Total shareholders' funds

 

1,256,124

935,200

 

 

 


Net assets per share (cent)

15

110.1

105.1

 

Authorised for issue by the Board on 11 September 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

 

Rónán Murphy  Kevin McNamara

Chairman  Director

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 

For the six months

ended 30 June 2022

Note

Share capital €'000

Share premium €'000

Other distributable

reserves

€'000

Retained earnings €'000

Total

€'000

Opening net assets attributable to shareholders (1 January 2022)

 

8,898

668,405

114,597

143,300

935,200

 

Issue of share capital

 

2,515

278,999

-

-

281,514

 

Share issue costs

 

-

(4,519)

-

-

(4,519)

 

Interim dividends paid in the period

7

-

-

(31,114)

-

(31,114)

 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the period

 

-

-

-

75,043

75,043

 

Closing net assets attributable to shareholders

 

11,413

942,885

83,483

218,343

1,256,124

 

 

After taking account of cumulative unrealised gains in fair value of investments of €167,181,313, the total reserves distributable by way of a dividend as at 30 June 2022 were €134,645,847.

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2021

 

For the six months

ended 30 June 2021

Note

Share capital €'000

Share premium €'000

Other distributable

reserves

€'000

Retained earnings €'000

Total

€'000

Opening net assets attributable to shareholders (1 January 2021)

 

7,412

507,476

161,768

72,157

748,813

Share issue costs

 

-

44

-

-

44

Interim dividends paid in the period

7

-

-

(22,460)

-

(22,460)

Profit and total comprehensive income for the period

 

-

-

-

22,715

22,715

Closing net assets attributable to shareholders

 

7,412

507,520

139,308

94,872

749,112

 

After taking account of cumulative unrealised gains in fair value of investments of €91,075,313 the total reserves distributable by way of a dividend as at 30 June 2021 were €143,104,623.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements .

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 

 

Note

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

For the six months ended 30 June 2021


 

€'000

€'000





Net cash flows from operating activities

16

49,318

5,631


 

 


Cash flows from investing activities

 

 


Acquisition of investments

8

(474,099)

(296,672)

Investment acquisition costs

 

(1,855)

(2,590)

Repayment of shareholder loan investments

8

41,858

31,097

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

(434,096)

(268,165)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 


Issue of share capital

 

281,514

-

Payment of issue costs

 

(4,519)

(103)

Dividends paid

7

(31,114)

(22,460)

Amounts drawn down on loan facilities

12

370,660

360,000

Amounts repaid on loan facilities

12

(95,660)

(85,000)

Finance costs

 

(8,833)

(1,682)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

512,048

250,755


 

 


Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period

 

127,270

(11,779)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period


5,045

16,517

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period


132,315

4,738

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

 

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the six months ended 30 June 2022

 

1. Significant accounting policies

 

Basis of accounting

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Half Year Report have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in these condensed consolidated financial statements as were applied in the preparation of the Group's consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 and are expected to continue to apply in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

 

The Group's consolidated annual financial statements were prepared on the historic cost basis, as modified for the measurement of certain financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss and in accordance with IFRS to the extent that they have been adopted by the EU and with those parts of the Companies Act 2014 (including amendments by the Companies (Accounting) Act 2017) applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro ("€") which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates and are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

 

These condensed financial statements do not include all information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's consolidated annual financial statements as of 31 December 2021. The audited annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 have been delivered to the Companies Registration Office. The audit report thereon was unmodified.

 

Review

 

The Interim Report has not been audited or formally reviewed by the Company's Auditor in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) (Ireland) or International Standards on Review Engagements (ISREs).

 

Going concern

 

As at 30 June 2022, the Group had net assets of €1,256 million (31 December 2021: €935.2 million) and cash balances of €132.3 million (31 December 2021: €5.0 million) which are sufficient to meet current obligations as they fall due.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the global economy. The Directors and Investment Manager are actively monitoring this and its potential effect on the Group and its SPVs. In particular, they have considered the following specific key potential impacts:

 

§ Unavailability of key personnel at the Investment Manager or Administrator;

§ Increased volatility in the fair value of investments;

§ Disruptions to maintenance or repair at the investee company level; and

§ Allowance for expected counterparty credit losses.

 

In considering the above key potential impacts of COVID-19 on the Group and SPV operations, the Directors have assessed these with reference to the mitigation measures in place and do not consider that the effects have created a material uncertainty over the assessment of the Group as a going concern.

 

The Directors have reviewed Group forecasts and projections which cover a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of this report, taking into account foreseeable changes in investment and trading performance, which show that the Group has sufficient financial resources to continue in operation for at least the next 12 months from the date of approval of this report.

 

On the basis of this review, and after making due enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least up to September 2023. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

 

Segmental reporting

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of Directors, as a whole.

 

The key measure of performance used by the Board to assess the Group's performance and to allocate resources is the total return on the Group's net assets, as calculated under IFRS, and therefore no reconciliation is required between the measure of profit or loss used by the Board and that contained in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

For management purposes, the Group is organised into one main operating segment, which currently invests in wind farm assets.

 

The Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment in renewable infrastructure to generate investment returns while preserving capital. The Group presents the business as a single segment comprising a homogeneous portfolio.

 

All of the Group's income is generated within Ireland and Continental Europe. All of the Group's non-current assets are also located in Ireland and Continental Europe.

 

Seasonal and cyclical variations

 

The Group's results do not vary significantly during reporting periods as a result of seasonal activity.

 

2. Investment management fees

 

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, the Investment Manager is entitled to a management fee from the Company, which is calculated quarterly in arrears and remains at 0.25% of NAV per quarter on that part of NAV up to and including €1 billion, 0.2% of NAV per quarter on that part of NAV from €1 billion to €1.75 billion and 0.1875% of NAV per quarter on that part of NAV over €1.75 billion.

 

During the period the Investment Management Agreement was extended for a further five-year term, commencing on 25 July 2022.

 

 

Investment management fees paid or accrued in the period were as follows:

 


For the six

 months ended

30 June 2022

For the six

months ended

30 June 2021


€'000

€'000

Investment management fees

5,732

3,691

 

5,732

3,691

 

As at 30 June 2022, €3,070,207 was payable in relation to investment management fees (31 December 2021: €2,155,526).

 

3. Return on investments

 

For the six

 months ended
30 June 2022

For the six

 months ended
30 June 2021


€'000

€'000

Dividends received (note 17)

45,300

1,498

Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 8)

33,922

25,776

Interest on shareholder loan investment

11,960

5,717

 

91,182

32,991

*

4. Operating expenses

 

For the six

months ended
30 June 2022

For the six

months ended
30 June 2021


€'000

€'000

Investment management fees (note 2)

5,732

3,691

Other expenses

1,705

589

Group and SPV administration fees

152

126

Non-executive Directors' remuneration

170

159

Fees to the Company's Auditor:



  for audit of the statutory financial  statements

45

37

for other services

3

3

 

7,807

4,605

 

The fees to the Company's Auditor include €3,150 (2021: €3,000) payable in relation to a limited review of these interim financial statements, and estimated accruals apportioned across the year for the audit of the statutory financial statements.

 

5. Taxation

 

Taxable income during the period was offset by management expenses and the tax charge for the period ended 30 June 2022 is €nil (30 June 2021: €nil). The Group is not expected to have tax losses carried forward to offset against current and future profits as at 30 June 2022 (30 June 2021: €nil).

 

6. Earnings per share

 

For the six

months ended
30 June 2022

For the six

months ended
30 June 2021

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company - €'000

75,043

22,715

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue

1,010,702,877

741,238,938

Basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations in the period (cent)

7.42

3.06

 

7. Dividends declared with respect to the period

Interim dividends paid during the period ended 30 June 2022

Dividend per

Share cent

Total

Dividend

With respect to the quarter ended 31 December 2021

1.5150

13,482

With respect to the quarter ended 31 March 2022

1.5450

17,632

 

3.0600

31,114

 

Interim dividends declared after 30 June 2022 and not accrued in the period

 

Dividend per

Share cent

Total

Dividend

With respect to the quarter ended 30 June 2022


1.5450

17,632

 


1.5450

17,632

 

As disclosed in note 18, the Board approved a dividend of 1.5450 cent per share on 27 July 2022 in relation to the quarter ended 30 June 2022, bringing total dividends declared with respect to the period to 3.09 cent per share. The record date for the dividend was 05 August 2022 and the payment date was 26 August 2022.

 

8. Investments at fair value through profit or loss

For the period ended 30 June 2022

Loans

Equity interest

Total


€'000

€'000

€'000


 

 


Opening balance 1 January 2022

779,865

628,937

1,408,802

Additions

395,418

78,679

474,097

Repayment of shareholder loan investments

(41,858)

-

(41,858)

Shareholder loan adjustments

2,097

-

2,097

Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 3)

 393

33,922

34,315

 Closing balance 30 June 2022

 1,135,915

741,538

1,877,453

 

For the period ended 30 June 2021

Loans

Equity interest

Total


€'000

€'000

€'000


 

 


Opening balance 1 January 2021

505,552

438,800

944,352

Additions

256,189

40,483

296,672

Repayment of shareholder loan investments

(31,097)

-

(31,097)

Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 3)

1,741

24,035

25,776

 Closing balance 30 June 2021

503,318

1,235,703

 

The unrealised movement in fair value of investments of the Group during the period was made up as follows:

 

For the six

months ended

 30 June 2022

€'000

For the six

months ended

30 June 2021

€'000

Decrease in valuation of investments

(27,003)

(18,457)

Movement in swap fair values at SPV level

826

1,025

Repayment of debt at SPV level

6,553

8,316

Cash used by the Company for SPV Bonds

(35,370)

-

Repayment of shareholder loan investments (note 17)

41,858

31,097

Movement in cash balances of SPVs

46,541

1,205

Shareholder loan balance adjustment

(2,097)

-

Investment acquisition costs

3,007

2,590

 

34,315

25,776

 

Fair value measurements

As disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021, IFRS 13 "Fair Value Measurement" requires disclosure of fair value measurement by level. The level of fair value hierarchy within the financial assets or financial liabilities ranges from level 1 to level 3 and is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The fair value of the Group's investments is ultimately determined by the underlying fair values of the SPV investments. Due to their nature, they are always expected to be classified as level 3, as the investments are not traded and contain unobservable inputs. There have been no transfers between levels during the six months ended 30 June 2022. All other financial instruments are classified as level 2.

 

Sensitivity analysis

The fair value of the Group's investments is €1,877,453,243 (31 December 2021: € 1,408,802,257 ). The following analysis is provided to illustrate the sensitivity of the fair value of investments to a change in an individual input, while all other variables remain constant. The Board considers these changes in inputs to be within reasonable expected ranges. This is not intended to imply the likelihood of change or that possible changes in value would be restricted to this range.

 

Input

Base case

Change in input

Change in  fair value of investments

Change in NAV per share


 

 

€'000

cent


 

 

 

 

Discount rate

6 - 7%

+ 0.25%

(33,090)

(2.9)



- 0.25%

34,165

3.0






Energy yield

P50

10-year P90

(118,993)

(10.4)



10-year P10

118,284

10.4






Power price

Forecast by leading consultant

- 10%

(121,282)

(10.6)


+ 10%

119,395

10.5






Inflation rate

2.0%

- 0.5%

(66,904)

(5.9)



+ 0.5%

71,064

6.2






Asset Life

30 years

- 5 years

(149,089)

(13.1)



+ 5 years

104,600

9.2

 

The sensitivities above are assumed to be independent of each other. Combined sensitivities are not presented.

 

9.  Unconsolidated subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

 

The following table shows subsidiaries of the Group acquired during the period. As the Company is regarded as an investment entity under IFRS, these subsidiaries have not been consolidated in the preparation of the financial statements:

Investment

Place of Business

 

Ownership Interest as at
30 June 2022

Registered Office

Tullahennel

Ireland

Riverside One, Sir John

Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2

100%

Soliedra

Spain

Paseo Castellana 9, 28046 Madrid

100%

Borkum Riffgrund 1

Germany

Van-der-Smissen-Straße 9

22767 Hamburg

50%

Boston Holding A/S*

Denmark

Koldingvej 2, 7190 Billund

100%

 

*Boston Holding A/S is the holding company of Borkum Riffgrund oHG.

 

There are no other changes to unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Group and there are no other changes to associates and joint venture of the group as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

There have been no changes to security deposits or guarantees as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2021.

 

10. Receivables


30 June 2022

31 December 2021


€'000

€'000

Sundry receivables

6

157

VAT receivable

48

118

Prepayments

79

46

Accrued income

209

20

Withholding tax receivable

44

18


386

359

 

 

 

11. Payables

 

 


30 June 2022

31 December 2021


€'000

€'000

Investment management fees payable

3,070

2,156

Other payables

2,258

1,739

Acquisition costs payable

2,142

1,327

Loan interest payable

798

781

Commitment fee payable

328

257

Share issue costs payable

68

37

 

8,664

6,297

12. Loans and borrowings

30 June 2022

31 December 2021


€'000

€'000

Opening balance

472,709

210,808

Revolving Credit Facility



  Drawdowns

95,660

379,780

  Repayments

(95,660)

(394,780)

  Amortisation

-

2,173

Term debt facilities



  Drawdowns

275,000

275,000

  Finance costs capitalised

(2,829)

(816)

  Amortisation

486

544

Closing balance

745,366

472,709

Non current liabilities

745,366

472,709

 

 

 

For the six
months ended
30 June 2022

For the six

months ended
30 June 2021

 

€'000

€'000

Loan interest

3,495

1,820

Professional fees

22

441

Commitment fees

923

382

Facility arrangement fees

486

719

Finance expense

4,926

3,362

 

As at 30 June 2022, the principal balance of the RCF was €nil (31 December 2021: €Nil) accrued interest was €nil (31 December 2021: €Nil) and the outstanding commitment fee was €328,258 (31 December 2021: € 256,719 ).

 

Details of the Group's term debt facilities under Facility A and associated interest rate swaps are set out in the below table:

 

Facility A

Provider

CBA

7 October 2025

1.55

(0.399)

75,000

204

ING

7 October 2025

1.55

(0.300)

75,000

221

NAB

7 October 2025

1.55

(0.399)

75,000

204

NatWest

7 October 2025

1.55

(0.396)

50,000

136





275,000

765

 

These loans contain swaps that are contractually linked. Accordingly, they have been treated as single fixed rate loan agreements, which effectively set interest payable at fixed rates.

 

In April 2022, the Group entered into a new 5-year term debt arrangements with the existing tern debt lenders, being, CBA, ING, NAB and NatWest.

 

Details of the Group's term debt facilities under Facility C and associated interest rate swaps are set out in the below table:

 

Facility C

Provider

CBA

28 March 2027

1.45

2.0620

75,000

9

ING

28 March 2027

1.45

2.0587

75,000

9

NAB

28 March 2027

1.45

2.0570

75,000

9

NatWest

28 March 2027

1.45

2.0770

50,000

6





275,000

33

 

These loans contain swaps that are contractually linked. Accordingly, they have been treated as single fixed rate loan agreements, which effectively set interest payable at fixed rates.

 

In 2021, the Group entered into a 7-year term debt arrangement with AXA. This fixed rate non-amortising term debt of €200 million was utilised in three tranches. Details are set out in the below table:

Provider

Maturity date

Loan

margin

Mid swap

rate

Loan

principal

Accrued interest at 30 June 2022

 


%

%

€'000

€'000

AXA

September 2028

1.85

(0.141)

150,000

-

AXA

September 2028

1.85

(0.045)

50,000

-

 

 

 

 

200,000

-

 

All borrowing ranks pari passu with a debenture over the assets of Holdco 1 and Holdco 2 and a floating charge over Holdco 1 and Holdco 2's bank accounts.

 

13. Contingencies & Commitments

 

At the time of acquisition, wind farms which had less than 12 months' operational data may have a wind energy true-up applied, whereby the purchase price for these wind farms may be adjusted so that it is typically based on a 2-year operational record, once operational data has become available.

The following wind energy true-ups remain outstanding and the maximum adjustments are as follows: Letteragh: €2,500,000.

In December 2020, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire the Taghart and Cloghan wind farms for a headline consideration of €123 million. The investment is scheduled to complete in Q4, 2022 and Q1, 2023 respectively, once the wind farms are fully operational.

In February 2021, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire the Kokkoneva wind farm for headline consideration of €60 million. The investment is scheduled to complete in Q4, 2022 once the wind farm is fully operational.

In December 2021, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire Torrubia, a 50MW solar farm currently under construction in La Muela, Spain. The investment is scheduled to complete in Q4, 2022 once the solar farm is fully operational.

In April 2022, the Group entered into an agreement to acquire Erstrask North, a 134MW wind farm currently under construction in Sweden. The investment is scheduled to complete in Q4, 2023 once the wind farm is fully operational.

On 24 May 2022 the Group entered into an agreement to acquire a 67.7MW portfolio of operating wind farms in France, being:

 

§ The 16MW Arcy-Précy windfarm located in the Burgundy region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until August 2041;

§ The 9.4MW Butte de Menonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until June 2041;

§ The 21.6MW Genonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until February 2042.

§ The 20.7MW Grande Pièce windfarm, located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contracted until August 2032.

 

14. Share capital - ordinary shares

 

At 30 June 2022, the Company had issued share capital of 1,141,238,938 ordinary shares of €0.01 each.

Date

Issued and fully paid

Number of shares issued

Share capital

Share premium

Total



 

€'000

€'000

€'000



 

 

 

 

1 January 2022

  Opening balance

889,887,587

8,898

668,405

677,303

5 April 2022

Issued and paid

251,351,351

2,515

278,999

281,514

5 April 2022

Issues costs paid

-

-

(4,519)

(4,519)

30 June 2022

 

1,141,238,938

11,413

942,885

954,298

 

Shareholders are entitled to all dividends paid by the Company and, on a winding up, provided the Company has satisfied all of its liabilities, the Shareholders are entitled to all of the residual assets of the Company.

 

15. Net assets per share

 

30 June 2022

31 December 2021

Net assets - €'000

1,256,124

935,200

Number of ordinary shares issued

1,141,238,938

889,887,587

Total net assets - cent

110.1

105.1

 

16. Reconciliation of operating profit for the period to net cash from operating activities

 

For the six months ended
30 June 2022

For the six months ended
30 June 2021


€'000

€'000

Operating profit for the period

79,969

26,077

Adjustments for:



Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 8)

(34,315)

(25,776)

Investment acquisition costs

3,419

2,309

Finance costs capitalised

(2,829)

(862)

Amortisation of finance costs

486

825

(Increase)/decrease in receivables

(27)

3,756

(Decrease)/increase in payables

2,615

(698)

Net cash flows from operating activities

49,318

5,631

 

17. Related party transactions

 

During the period, Holdco made repayments of €8,000,000 (30 June 2021: €17,200,000). During the period, the Company also received shareholder loan repayments from Knockacummer of €6,850,400 (30 June 2021: €4,155,069) and Killhills of €7,251,217 (30 June 2021: €1,100,000).

In April 2022, Rónán Murphy subscribed to 17,500 shares and Marco Graziano 25,000 shares in the Company at an issue price of 112 cent per share.

The below table shows the Group's dividend income:


For the six months ending 30 June 2022

For the six months ending 30 June 2021


Dividend Income

Dividend Income


€000

€000

Ballybane

2,800

-

Raheenleagh

1,000

500

Lisdowney

800

-

Knocknalour

500

248

Knockacummer

22,600

-

Killhills

1,300

-

Glanaruddery

4,400

-

Gortahile

1,250

750

Letteragh

600

-

Garranereagh

850

-

Cordal

7,300

-

Beam Hill

1,900

-


45,300

1,498

 

The table below shows the Group's shareholder loans with the wind farm investments.

 

Loans at 1 January 2022(1)

Loan balance adjusted in the period

Loans advanced in the period

Loan Repayments

Loans balance

at 30 June 2022

Accrued interest

at 30 June 2022

Total

 

Interest on shareholder loan in the period


€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

€'000

Cordal

168,499

-

-

(18,499)

150,000

821

150,821

1,663

Glencarbry

71,263

-

-

(4,263)

67,000

353

67,353

708

Monaincha

63,474

863

-

-

64,336

325

64,662

647

Glanaruddery

46,333

-

-

-

46,333

234

46,568

466

Knockacummer

46,229

2,713

-

(6,850)

42,092

787

42,879

1,565

Erstrask South

44,334

-

-

-

44,334

448

44,782

892

Sommette

40,206

-

-

-

40,206

601

40,807

1,196

Ballybane

35,808

-

-

-

35,808

181

35,989

360

Killala

32,069

(3,263)

700

(1,400)

28,106

492

28,598

534

GRP Sweden

25,223

-

-

-

25,223

709

25,932

507

Letteragh

25,200


-

-

25,200

207

25,407

412

Killhills

21,471

(663)

-

(7,251)

13,556

67

13,624

134

Cnoc

16,247

-

-

(2,247)

14,000

78

14,078

159

Saint Martin

15,819

(321)

-

 - 

15,498

232

15,730

461

Gortahile

15,640

-

-

-

15,640

79

15,719

157

Kostroma

14,481

646

-

-

15,127

257

15,383

152

Tullynamoyle II

13,861

-

-

-

13,861

70

13,931

139

Garranereagh

13,233

(863)

-

-

12,370

63

12,433

124

Carrickallen

12,998

-

-

-

12,998

394

13,392

261

Lisdowney

9,603

-

-

-

9,603

72

9,675

143

Pasilly

8,720

-

-

8,720

259

8,979

259

Beam Hill Extension

8,640 

-

-

-

 8,640

 44

8,683

87

Ballincollig Hill

7,824 

-

-

 - 

 7,824

 83

7,907

79

Knocknalour

5,795 

-

 -

 - 

 5,795

 48

5,842

95

Sliabh Bawn

5,052

2,985

-

-

8,037

-

8,037

-

Cloosh Valley

4,574

-

-

-

4,574

-

4,574

-

Borkum Riffgrund 1

-

-

275,346

-

275,346

59

275,405

59

Tullahennel

-

-

58,162

-

58,162

413

58,575

413

Boston Holding A/S

-

-

31,890

-

31,890

-

31,890

-

Soliedra

-

-

29,322

(1,347)

27,974

286

28,260

286

 

772,596

2,097

395,418

(41,858)

1,128,253

7,662

1,135,915

11,960

 

1 €772,595k excluded accrued interest at 31 December 2021 of €7,269k.

*The balance of accrued interest at 30 June 2022 is €7,662k, with movement in the period being €393k.

 

18. Subsequent events

 

On 18 July 2022 the Group entered into an acquisition agreement to acquire the 80.5MW South Meath Solar Farm from Statkraft. The Group will acquire a 50% stake in the asset with the remaining 50% being acquired in partnership with a pension fund, investing through a fund also managed by Greencoat Capital LLP, the Group's Investment Manager. The asset is currently under construction in County Meath, Ireland, with commencement of commercial operations expected in Q4 2023. The transaction is structured under a forward sale model and will only complete once the solar farm is fully operational.

 

On 28 July 2022, the Board approved a dividend of €17.6 million, equivalent to 1.545 cent per share in relation to the quarter ended 30 June 2022. The record date for the dividend was 5 August 2022 and the payment date was 26 August 2022.

 

On 6 September 2022 the Group completed the acquisition of the 67.7MW portfolio of operating wind farms in France, being:

 

§ The 16MW Arcy-Précy windfarm located in the Burgundy region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until August 2041;

§ The 9.4MW Butte de Menonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until June 2041;

§ The 21.6MW Genonville windfarm located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contract until February 2042.

§ The 20.7MW Grande Pièce windfarm, located in the Centre Val-de-Loire region of France - government-backed, fixed-price contracted until August 2032.

 

19. Board approval

 

The Group's Interim Report and Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 September 2022.

Company Information

 

Directors (all non-executive)

Registered Company Number

Rónán Murphy

598470

Emer Gilvarry

 

Kevin McNamara

Registered Office

Marco Graziano

Riverside One

Eva Lindqvist (appointed 7 July 2022)

Sir John Rogerson's Quay


Dublin 2

Investment Manager


Greencoat Capital LLP

Registered Auditor

4th Floor, The Peak

BDO

5 Wilton Road

Beaux Lane House

London SW1V 1AN

Mercer Street Lower

 

Dublin 2

Company Secretary


Ocorian Administration (UK) Limited

Legal Advisers

Unit 18 Innovation Centre

McCann Fitzgerald

Northern Ireland Science Park

Riverside One

Queens Road

Sir John Rogerson's Quay

Belfast BT3 9DT

Dublin 2

 

 

Administrator

Joint Broker, NOMAD and

Euronext Growth Listing Sponsor

Northern Trust International Fund

J&E Davy

Administration Services (Ireland) Limited

Davy House

54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 2

49 Dawson Street


Dublin 2

Depositary


Northern Trust International Fiduciary 

Joint Broker

Services (Ireland) Limited

RBC Capital Markets

Georges Court

100 Bishopsgate

54-62 Townsend Street

London, EC2N 4AA

Dublin 2


 

Account Banks

Registrar

Allied Irish Banks plc.

Computershare Investor Services

40/41 Westmoreland Street

(Ireland) Limited

Dublin 2

3100 Lake Drive

 

Citywest Business Campus

Northern Trust International Fiduciary 

Dublin 24

Services (Ireland) Limited


Georges Court


56-62 Townsend Street


Dublin 2





 

Defined Terms

 

Admission Document means the Admission Document of the Company published on 31 December 2019

 

Aggregate Group Debt means the Group's proportionate share of outstanding third-party debt.

 

AIB means Allied Irish Bank plc

 

AIC means the Association of Investment Companies

 

AIC Code of Corporate Governance sets out a framework of best practice in respect of the governance of investment companies. It has been endorsed by the Financial Reporting Council as an alternative means for our members to meet their obligations in relation to the UK Corporate Governance Code

 

AIC Guide means the AIC's Corporate Governance Guide for Investment Companies

 

AIF means Alternative Investment Funds (as defined in AIFMD)

 

AIFM means Alternative Investment Fund Manager (as defined in AIFMD)

 

AIFMD means Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive

 

AGM means Annual General Meeting of the Company

 

AXA means funds managed by AXA Investment Managers UK Limited

 

Ballincollig Hill means Tra Investments Limited

 

Ballybane means Ballybane Windfarms Limited

 

BDO means the Company's Auditor as at the reporting date

 

Beam means Beam Hill and Beam Hill Extension

 

Beam Hill means Beam Wind Limited

 

Beam Hill Extension means Meenaward Wind Farm Limited

 

Board means the Directors of the Company

 

Borkum Riffgrund 1 means Borkum Riffgrund oHG

 

Boston Holding means Boston Holding A/S

 

Brexit means the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union

 

Carrickallen means Carrickallen Wind Limited

 

CBA means Commonwealth Bank of Australia#

 

CBI means the Central Bank of Ireland

 

CDP means Carbon Disclosure Project

 

CFD means Contract for Difference

 

CIBC means Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

 

Cloosh Valley means Cloosh Valley Wind Farm Holdings DAC and Cloosh Valley Wind Farm DAC

 

Cnoc means Cnoc Windfarms Limited

 

Company means Greencoat Renewables PLC

 

Cordal means Cordal Windfarm Holdings Limited, Oak Energy Supply Limited and Cordal Windfarms Limited

 

CPI means Consumer Price Index

 

DCF means Discounted Cash Flow

 

DS3 means Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System

 

EGM means Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company

 

Erstrask South means Erstrask Vind South AB

 

ESG means the Environmental, Social and Governance

 

EU means the European Union

 

Euronext means the Euronext Dublin, formerly the Irish Stock Exchange

 

EURIBOR means the Euro Interbank Offered Rate

 

Eurozone means the area comprising 19 of the 28 Member States which have adopted the euro as their common currency and sole legal tender

 

FCA means Financial Conduct Authority

 

FIT means Feed-In Tariff

 

FRC means Financial Reporting Council

 

GAV means Gross Asset Value as defined in the Admission Document

 

Garranereagh means Sigatoka Limited

 

Glanaruddery means Glanaruddery Windfarms Limited and Glanaruddery Energy Supply Limited

 

Glencarbry means Glencarbry Windfarm Limited

 

Gortahile means Gortahile Windfarm Limited

 

Group means the Company, Holdco, Holdco 1 and Holdco 2

 

GRP Sweden means GRP Sweden Holding AB

 

Holdco means GR Wind Farms 1 Limited

 

Holdco 1 means Greencoat Renewables 1 Holdings Limited

 

Holdco 2 means Greencoat Renewables 2 Holdings Limited

 

Holdcos mean GR Wind Farms 1 Limited, Greencoat Renewables 1 Holdings Limited and Greencoat Renewables 2 Holdings Limited

 

IAS means International Accounting Standards

 

IFRS means International Financial Reporting Standards

 

ING means ING Bank N.V.

 

Investment Management Agreement means the agreement between the Company and the Investment Manager

 

Investment Manager means Greencoat Capital LLP

 

IPEV means the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines

 

IPO means Initial Public Offering

 

Irish Corporate Governance Annex is a corporate governance annex addressed to companies with a primary equity listing on the Main Securities Market of Euronext

 

IRR means internal rate of return

 

I-SEM means the Integrated Single Electricity Market, which is the wholesale electricity market arrangement for Ireland and Northern Ireland

 

Killala means Killala Community Wind Farm DAC

 

Killhills means Killhills Windfarm Limited

 

Knockacummer means Knockacummer Wind Farm Limited

 

Knocknalour means Knocknalour Wind Farm Holdings Limited and Knocknalour Wind Farm Limited

 

Kostroma Holdings means Kostroma Holdings Limited

 

Letteragh means Seahound Wind Developments Limited

 

Lisdowney means Lisdowney Wind Farm Limited

 

Monaincha means Monaincha Wind Farm Limited

 

NAB means National Australia Bank

 

NatWest means National Westminster Bank

 

NAV means Net Asset Value as defined in the Admission Document

 

NAV per Share means the Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share

 

NOMAD means a company that has been approved as a nominated advisor for the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), by Euronext Dublin and London Stock Exchange

 

O&M means operations and maintenance

 

Pasilly means Société d'Exploitation du Parc Eolien du Tonnerois

 

PPA means Power Purchase Agreement entered into by the Group's wind farms

PSO means Public Support Obligation

 

Raheenleagh means Raheenleagh Power DAC

 

RBC means Royal Bank of Canada

 

RCF means the Group's Revolving Credit Facility

 

REFIT means Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff

 

RESS means Renewable Energy Support Scheme

 

Saint Martin means Parc Eolien Des Courtibeaux SAS

 

Santander means Abbey National Treasury Services Plc (trading as Santander Global Corporate Banking)

 

SEM means the Single Electricity Market, which is the wholesale electricity market operating in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

 

SFDR means Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation

 

Sliabh Bawn means Sliabh Bawn Holding DAC, Sliabh Bawn Supply DAC and Sliabh Bawn Power DAC

 

SMSF means SMSF Holdings Limited

 

Solar PV means a solar photovoltaic system, which is a power system designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics.

 

Soliedra means Parque Eolico Soliedra

 

Sommette means Parc Eolien Des Tournevents SAS

 

South Meath means SMSF Holdings Limited

 

SPVs means the Special Purpose Vehicles, which hold the Group's investment portfolio of underlying operating wind farms

 

TCFD means Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures

 

TSR means Total Shareholder Return

 

Tullahennel means Ronaver Energy Limited

 

Tullynamoyle II means Tullynamoyle Wind Farm II Limited

 

UK means United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

 

UK Code means UK Corporate Governance Code issued by the FRC.

 

Alternative Performance Measures

 

Performance Measure

Definition

CO2 emissions avoided per annum

The estimate of the portfolio's annual CO2 emissions avoided through the displacement of thermal generation, based on the portfolio's estimated generation as at the relevant reporting date.

 

Homes powered per annum

The estimate of the number of homes powered by electricity generated by the portfolio, based on the portfolio's estimated generation as at the relevant reporting date.

 

Generation

The amount of energy generated by the underlying SPV's (investments) in the portfolio over the period.

NAV movement per share (adjusting for dividends)

Movement in the ex-dividend Net Asset Value per ordinary share during the year.

NAV per share

 

The Net Asset Value per ordinary share.

Net cash generation

 

 

The operating cash flow of the Group and wind farm SPVs.

Premium to NAV

 

The percentage difference between the published NAV per ordinary share and the quoted price of each ordinary share as at the relevant reporting date.

 

Total return (NAV)

The movement in the ex-dividend NAV per ordinary share, plus dividend per ordinary share declared or paid to shareholders with respect to the year.

 

Total Shareholder Return

The movement in share price, combined with dividends paid during the year, on the assumption that these dividends have been reinvested.

 

Forward Looking Statements and other Important Information

 

This document may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "projects", "will", "explore" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions.

 

These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They may appear in a number of places throughout this document and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or current expectations of the Company, the Directors and/or the Investment Manager concerning, amongst other things, the investment objectives and investment policy, financing strategies, investment performance, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, and distribution policy of the Company and the markets in which it invests.

 

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual investment performance, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, distribution policy and the development of its financing strategies may differ materially from the impression created by, or described in or suggested by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document.

 

In addition, even if actual investment performance, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, distribution policy and the development of its financing strategies, are consistent with any forward-looking statements contained in this document, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. A number of factors could cause results and developments of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, general economic and business conditions, global renewable energy market conditions, industry trends, competition, changes in law or regulation, changes in taxation regimes, the availability and cost of capital, currency fluctuations, changes in its business strategy, political and economic uncertainty. Any forward-looking statements herein speak only at the date of this document.

 

As a result, you are cautioned not to place any reliance on any such forward-looking statements and neither the Company nor any other person accepts responsibility for the accuracy of such statements.

 

Subject to their legal and regulatory obligations, the Company, the Directors and the Investment Manager expressly disclaim any obligations to update or revise any forward- looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

 

In addition, this document may include target figures for future financial periods. Any such figures are targets only and are not forecasts. Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast or a profit estimate.

 

This Interim Report has been prepared for the Company as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are significant in respect of Greencoat Renewables PLC and its subsidiary undertakings when viewed as a whole.

 

 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
 
END
 
 
IR UAABRURUKAAR
UK 100

Latest directors dealings