CDC-backed Gridworks commits c.US$7.5 million to Mettle Solar Investments, a pan-African commercial and industrial solar company
Gridworks, the new company launched this month by CDC to invest in electricity networks across Africa, has made its first investment. Gridworks is making a 106.7 million South African Rand (c.US$7.5 million) equity investment to become a shareholder in Mettle Solar Investments (“Mettle”), a leading pan-African commercial and industrial solar platform company that provides a variety of affordable renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers.
The investment will enable Mettle to expand its provision of cleaner and cheaper sources of electricity for businesses across Africa. The investment will also reduce carbon emissions and aims to demonstrate the commercial viability of solar power for businesses in Africa, a region where 70 per cent of total energy demand currently comes from commercial and industrial customers. The investment in Mettle was originally developed by CDC in parallel with the recent formation of Gridworks and the recruitment of its team.
Mettle currently has 29 projects (15.4MW) in operation in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya & Indian Ocean islands with a further 12MW currently under construction. It plans to expand its footprint to other markets in sub-Saharan Africa, including Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Madagascar. Mettle also owns a 50% shareholding in Sustainable Power Solutions (Pty) Ltd, one of the leading solar engineering firms specialising in the construction and operation of solar photovoltaic systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
This investment will support CDC’s Climate Strategy and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, which aim to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all, as well as combat climate change, by supporting and increasing the proportion of renewable energy in African countries. Less than 2% of total installed capacity in Africa currently comes from solar.
By providing cheaper, reliable and cleaner energy to businesses Mettle will help to reduce dependence on diesel generators and is a pioneer in the use of battery storage for business users in Africa. Solar Storage offers the potential to completely displace diesel consumption in off-grid sites as these systems are now competitive when compared to fuel powered generators.
Gridworks is dedicated to developing and investing in transmission, distribution and off-grid electricity infrastructure in Africa. Capitalised by CDC Group, the UK Government’s development finance institution, Gridworks intends to invest over $300m of long-term capital in African electricity infrastructure over the coming years and its investment in Mettle Solar is an important milestone in that journey
Welcoming the announcement, Francois Verloren van Themaat, CEO of Mettle Solar Investments said:
“We are very excited to have CDC through Gridworks, as a major investor in our business. This investment will allow Mettle to offer its renewable energy products to clients in additional jurisdictions across the African continent and will give a big boost to our ongoing efforts to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable to everyone.”
Simon Hodson, CEO of Gridworks said:
“I’m delighted that Gridworks is able to make this investment and support a very capable management team in its expansion plans. With many countries in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing regular electricity shortages there’s a clear need for a reliable power supply to business. Our investment will help Mettle bring clean, reliable power to businesses in new African markets where power is often unreliable and leaves a greater carbon footprint.
Chris Chijiutomi, Head of Infrastructure Equity at CDC Group said:
“Enabling safe, stable, affordable and sustainable energy to commercial and industrial users is a key part of the CDC infrastructure investment strategy. We are excited that Gridworks is partnering with a business supported to date by a respected shareholder group who have built a strong team with the relevant expertise to further grow the business in some of CDC’s priority countries. Access to reliable power is a key barrier to economic development, we believe this investment will be one of many through Gridworks in the power distribution sector.”
Gridworks’ investment in Mettle is subject to a number of conditions precedent which includes certain applicable competition approvals.
ENDS
Contact:
Gridworks: Rhyddid Carter rcarter@bii.co.uk +44 (0)7824 552326
Notes to Editors:
- CDC Group plc is the UK’s development finance institution. Wholly owned by the UK Government, it invests in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia with the aim of supporting economic development to create jobs. Find out more at cdcgroup.com
- Find out more about the launch of Gridworks by CDC at: https://www.bii.co.uk/en/news-insight/news/cdc-launches-new-company-gridworks-to-invest-in-electricity-networks-across-africa/?fl=true
- CDC takes a flexible approach and provides capital in all its forms, including equity, debt, mezzanine and guarantees, to meet businesses’ needs and achieve development impact. CDC has net assets of £5.9bn.
- Gridworks Development Partners LLP is a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales. Find out more about Gridworks at: gridworkspartners.com
