Greencoat Renewables PLC
Interim Results to 30 June 2021
Dublin, London | 13 September 2021: Greencoat Renewables PLC ("Greencoat Renewables" or the "Company"), the renewable infrastructure company invested in euro-dominated assets, is pleased to announce its Interim Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2021.
Highlights
§ The Group's investments generated 745GWh of electricity, net cash generation was €40 million (gross of SPV level debt prepayment), resulting in gross dividend cover for the period of 1.8x.
§ Acquisition of Cordal and Glencarbry wind farms in Ireland increased the portfolio to 23 wind farms, total installed capacity to 685.6MW and GAV to €1,442 million as at 30 June 2021.
§ Successful entry into the Nordic wind market with the commitment to acquire the 43MW Kokkoneva wind farm, once operational in Q2 2022.
§ The Company declared total dividends of 3.03 cent per share with respect to the period.
§ €693.3 million Aggregate Group Debt at 30 June 2021, equivalent to 48.1 per cent of GAV.
§ Against a supportive backdrop with renewables remaining a highly attractive asset class, the Group has identified significant near and medium term growth opportunities in both Ireland and Europe.
Commenting on today's results, Rónán Murphy, Non-Executive Chairman of Greencoat Renewables, said:
"The past six months have been a successful period for Greencoat Renewables, marked by a strong operational performance and continued expansion into Europe, including our first investment into the Nordic market.
The business continues to deliver enhanced value from the existing portfolio and I am pleased with the progress made across a number of strategic initiatives. These include a significant corporate PPA at attractive terms, evidencing the maturing market for contracted renewable power, and the construction of our first co-located battery project.
The overall outlook for the company remains positive, with good dividend cover, appropriate gearing, and the ability to pursue a strong near and medium term pipeline of opportunities in both Ireland and Europe."
Key Metrics as at 30 June 2021:
Market capitalisation |
€867.2 million |
Share price |
117.0 cent |
Dividends with respect to the period |
€22.5 million |
Dividends with respect to the period per share |
3.03 cent |
GAV |
€1,442.4 million |
NAV |
€749.1 million |
NAV per share |
101.1 cent |
Details of the conference call for analysts and investors:
A conference call for analysts and investors will be held at 10.00 am BST today, 13 September 2021. To register for the call please contact FTI Consulting by email at greencoat@fticonsulting.com .
Presentation materials will be posted on the Company's website:
www.greencoat-renewables.com from 7.00 am.
--- 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 Adviser) +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
§ Jonathan Neilan
§ Melanie Farrell
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 Northern 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.
I am pleased to present the Interim Report of Greencoat Renewables PLC for the six months ended 30 June 2021. The period has seen the business continue to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders, while capturing significant growth opportunities in Ireland and continental Europe.
The Company has this year become the largest owner of operational wind assets in Ireland, powering over 500,000 homes while saving c.590,000 tonnes of carbon emissions otherwise emitted by thermal generation. I am delighted that we have reached this milestone whilst expanding into new geographies and maintaining the robust dividend cover that our shareholders value.
Sustainability remains at the heart of everything the Company does, and I am pleased with our increasing sophistication in terms of ESG strategy and reporting. We will continue to drive this agenda and will be communicating our full year results in line with the relevant Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and EU Taxonomy recommendations.
In summary, this has been a successful period benefitting from the hard-work and dedication required to ensure our best-in-class operational standards have been maintained and extended. The Company is in a strong position with a significant pipeline of growth opportunities across the continent.
Performance
Overall, the portfolio generated 745GWh over the period, up from 688GWh in the corresponding period last year, which translated to €40.2 million(1) of net cash generation. This resulted in a dividend cash cover ratio for the period of 1.8x(1).
(1) Net cash generation and dividend cover are gross of SPV level debt repayment and were €31.9 million and 1.4x, net of SPV level debt repayment.
Wind speeds fluctuated month on month causing production to be down 11% overall. The impact of this was mitigated by the portfolio's increased geographical diversification, and excellent availability despite pandemic restrictions over the winter.
Our portfolio optimisation strategy continued with increased revenues from system services, and a number of turbine enhancement measures in Ireland and our new French portfolio which have been implemented with our O&M partners.
It was pleasing to note the progress made in our fixed price PPA strategy over the period, with the Company executing its first medium-term PPA for assets outside of the REFIT period, as well as a long-term fixed price PPA signed with Finland's state utility for the Kokkoneva wind farm which is due to become operational in Q2, 2022
The asset management team, within the Investment Manager, continue to work alongside our appointed operations managers to monitor grid curtailment and constraint which remains above pre-pandemic levels, while the Company has been actively involved in the industry consultation on the EU Clean Energy Package with a view to achieving compensation.
We have seen power price forecasts increase to above pre-pandemic levels as a result of higher gas and carbon prices and while our existing portfolio is predominately shielded from near-term power price movements this provides a good opportunity as we evaluate investment opportunities in Europe.
Dividend and Returns
We are pleased to advise that there has been no change in the Company's annual dividend policy, with increases to be within the range of zero to CPI. Despite CPI being negative in Ireland for 2020, we were pleased to hold our target dividend unchanged at 6.06 cent per share for 2021. This is supported by our continued cash generation and proportionally high dividend cover.
The Company paid a quarterly dividend of 1.515 cents per share with respect to Q4, 2020 on 26 February 2021 and another 1.515 cents per share on 1 June 2021, with future dividend payments scheduled for August and November 2021.
NAV per share increased slightly in the period from 101.0 cents per share on 31 December 2020 to 101.1 cents per share on 30 June 2021.
Acquisitions
The Investment Manager continues to identify a wide range of opportunities and during the period an additional two investments were made while maintaining our disciplined approach to investing. Acquisitions in the period included:
§ The 89.6MW Cordal wind farm located in County Kerry, Ireland; and
§ The 35. 6MW Glencarbry wind farm located in County Tipperary, Ireland.
Both operational wind farms have contracted revenues under the REFIT 2 scheme and provide a long-term guaranteed minimum floor price for the electricity generated until 2032.
This brings total installed capacity to 686MW, up from 557MW as at December 2020.
To complement the above, a forward sale agreement to acquire the 43.2 MW Kokkoneva wind farm in Siikalatva, Finland was entered into in February 2021. The Finnish wind market is well-established and characterised by high wind speeds, large capacity turbines facilitated by high hub heights along with a correspondingly low cost of electricity generation. The transaction will complete once Kokkoneva is fully operational which is expected in Q2, 2022.
Diversification
The expansion into France last year and Finland this year is indicative of the Company's intentions, seeing opportunities to aggregate significant investments in diversified geographies, as we have demonstrated in Ireland. In addition to geographic diversity, the Company is expanding into other renewable technologies and has considered a number of solar opportunities in the period, benefitting from the leading expertise of the Investment Manager and the extensive relationships that have been formed with solar developers in the industry. This underpins our ability to acquire on a pan-European basis, with access to the widest set of transactions in the marketplace.
The Company has progressed the development and construction of a battery storage facility co-located at Killala wind farm. The facility is expected to be operational in H1, 2022, and will act as a strategic pilot for the Company. Whilst battery storage as an asset class is not yet sufficiently mature for the Company's institutional approach, the DS3 system in Ireland provides a strong investment case for co-located battery and wind with a short payback period which is value accretive to the wind farm. We continue to explore new opportunities to add further value to existing and new assets.
Gearing
Acquisitions during the period were financed in first instance by the 3-year Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF"). During the period, an additional €75 million was refinanced following a step-up in our 5-year tranche, which included the introduction of a new lender. Total debt, including the Company and SPV's as at 30 June 2021 amounted to €693 million, which is 48 per cent of GAV. The continued prudent use of low-cost debt (limited to 60% of GAV) has further enhanced cash yield, with debt levels still well within the maximum permitted under the Company's Investment Policy.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
As detailed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020, the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Company are unchanged:
· dependence on the Investment Manager;
· regulatory risk;
· financing risk; and
· risk of investment returns becoming unattractive.
Also, as detailed in the Company's Annual Report for the year to 31 December 2020, the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the investee companies are as follows:
· changes in government policy on renewable energy;
· a decline in the market price of electricity after the period of contracted subsidy;
· risk of low wind resource;
· lower than expected lifespan of the wind turbines;
· 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.
Outlook
The Board continues to view Ireland as an attractive market for further investment, and believes the Company is very well placed to continue its aggregation strategy and deliver value for its Shareholders. Following the successful partnership with Statkraft to acquire assets under a "forward sale" structure, we expect the Company to continue to target investments in REFIT and RESS assets, across both wind and solar PV.
With our portfolio well established in our home market of Ireland there is now additional focus on investment opportunities in continental Europe, following our entry into France and Finland. The Company is clearly benefiting from having access to the widest opportunity set, and our core focus remains the acquisition of contracted wind assets.
The scale of our Company and geographic reach is also allowing us to access a wider range of opportunities whilst maintaining a highly contracted overall portfolio.
We are seeing increased opportunities in offshore wind where the Investment Manager's history of relationships and co-investment is particularly valuable. In the Nordics, we continue to see significant opportunities in large-scale unsubsidised assets in a well-developed corporate PPA market. In Iberia, we are seeing the emergence of an attractive pipeline, with similar characteristics to the Nordics, given the regions' increasing ability to produce very low-cost renewable energy.
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. This past year has been a particularly challenging time with the ongoing effects of the global pandemic on the economy and wider society. The Company's swift response and implementation of COVID-19 related safe practices to keep our asset management teams and wider stakeholders safe, has been of the utmost importance to the Board. As the focus on climate change challenges increases, fully engaging in global decarbonisation initiatives is a priority for the Company and the Board.
The Company continues to step up its participation in ESG initiatives such as the Carbon Disclosure Project and supporting the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures. Work is ongoing to gather and analyse the potential impact, including risks and opportunities, of climate change on the Company and its wider portfolio in line with TCFD recommendations, which will be detailed in the Company's 2021 Annual Report. We firmly believe that our dedication to meeting our sustainability goals alongside a strong governance framework will ensure the long-term success of our business and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
The Company published our annual ESG Report for 2020 which provides comprehensive information covering our dedication to ESG initiatives. The highlights of this report include:
§ Supporting research into wind energy in Ireland;
§ Committing c. €1million towards local communities; and
§ Supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, which addresses climate-related risks and opportunities.
The Board and Governance
The AGM took place on Thursday 29 April 2021, with the minimum necessary quorum of two shareholders present and in accordance with government guidance on social distancing, travel and other health measures to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am very pleased with the performance of the Company while excited about the future direction as the Company continues to expand geographically while considering other renewable technologies. I would finally like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board members, the Investment Manager and Shareholders for their continued contribution and support.
Rónán Murphy
Chairman
12 September 2021.
Information about Investment Manager
Greencoat Capital LLP, the Investment Manager, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company's investment portfolio in accordance with the Group'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 €7 billion of assets under management, and investments in the UK, Europe and the United States. 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 2021 was 11% below budget, producing 745GWh in the period. This was a result of lower wind resource, with availability, constraint, and curtailment in line with or above expectations.
Electricity demand increased over the period as Europe continued to recover from the pandemic. Power prices in Ireland have recovered strongly (with average power prices for Q2, 2021, being €92/MWh) and the forecast for power prices is expected to track close to the REFIT reference price for the next 12 months. The Group's portfolio benefits from market price upside, where the average capture power price is above the REFIT strike price. We have also seen a more modest uplift in the medium-term power price forecasts.
Ongoing Performance Improvement Plan
The Investment Manager continues to upgrade and optimise the portfolio, working closely with turbine manufactures and suppliers and leveraging its broad experience and relationships across 686MW of operational wind generation assets.
During the period the Performance Improvement Plan included specific upgrades to a number of wind farms:
§ Glanaruddery - Implementation of Vestas turbine upgrades increasing generation by c.1%; forestry management in collaboration with specialists, local landowners, and the Irish forestry board expected to increase generation by 0.7% and reduce turbulence on the turbines;
§ Gortahile - Identification and implantation of a Nordex turbine start-up upgrade, expected to increase generation by 0.4%; and
§ Knockacummer - continued execution of the forestry management plan, expected to increase generation by 0.9%.
Across the portfolio we continue to identify opportunities to enhance yield returns from active management.
DS3
The portfolio has increased its share of DS3 revenues and is now €1.6 million for the period. This has been achieved by a range of technology upgrades to our existing portfolio and we continue to work closely with the wind turbine manufacturers to incentivise them to develop software to allow DS3 services to be provided more frequently.
Co-located battery project
With large-scale batteries maturing, we see the technology as an increasingly investible opportunity and are deploying a 10MW battery at our Killala wind farm, utilising the additional grid capacity specific to the site. The project significantly enhances DS3 contracted revenues and allows future upside in trading revenues, improving the overall IRR at Killala. We expect the battery storage facility to be operational by Q2, 2022.
In addition to the enhanced returns achieved at Killala, the project provides an opportunity for the Investment Manager to accurately assess investment opportunities for batteries across the portfolio.
PPA activity
We are pleased to have successfully negotiated a five-year fixed price PPA during the period with a local energy provider in Ireland. The attractive price achieved is a clear illustration of the PPA market maturing and demonstrates our ability to continue to contract the portfolio's revenues post the REFIT life of the assets. In addition, the Group will benefit from a long-term fixed price PPA with Finland's state utility for the Kokkoneva wind farm, due to become operational in Q2, 2022.
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, with information then reviewed by the Director's at each of the scheduled Board meetings. Over the portfolio, there have been in excess of 60 audits and site inspections carried out to ensure best practises are being maintained.
The Investment Manager is pleased to report that there were no major incidents in the period ended 30 June 2021 with plans in place to ensure all sites receive an annual inspection and safety audit during 2021.
Acquisitions
During the six-month period ending 30 June 2021, the Group completed two material acquisitions as noted below:
§ Cordal wind farm, located in County Kerry, Ireland and comprising 28 GE 3.2MW turbines with a combined capacity of 89.6MW. The site has been operational since May 2018 and was developed by Cubico Sustainable Investments. The wind farm benefits from a REFIT 2 contract, providing inflation protected revenue until 2032; and
§ Glencarbry wind farm, located in County Tipperary, Ireland and comprising 7 Nordex N100 3.3MW turbines and 5 Nordex N90 2.5MW turbines with a combined capacity of 35.6MW. The site has been operational since September 2017 and was developed by John Laing Group PLC ("John Laing"). This followed the Group's acquisition last year of the 51MW French portfolio also acquired from John Laing (illustrating the strength of the Group's relationship with pan-European developers). The wind farm benefits from a REFIT 2 contract, providing inflation protected revenue until 2032.
In addition, the Group successfully completed the 6th turbine at Killala wind farm increasing the capacity of the wind farm to 20.4MW.
Forward sale and construction update
Over the period, the Group has committed to acquire a third wind farm on a forward sale basis in addition to those announced in December 2020. On an aggregate basis, there is 106.2MW of committed forward sale investment. The agreement to acquire the Kokkenova wind farm, once operational, was reached in February and is the first asset the Company has agreed to acquire in the Nordics.
All of the projects under construction are proceeding as planned with no material issues on the construction timetable.
§ Kokkoneva wind farm, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland - 9 Nordex N149 4.8MW turbines with a combined capacity of 43.2MW. Construction overseen by Abo Wind and is expected to reach commercial operations in Q2, 2022;
§ Taghart wind farm, County Cavan, Ireland - 7 Vestas V117 3.6MW turbines with a combined capacity of 25.2MW. Construction overseen by Statkraft and is expected to reach commercial operations in Q4, 2022; and
§ Cloghan wind farm, County Offaly, Ireland - 9 Vestas V136 4.2MW turbines with a combined capacity of 37.8MW. Construction overseen by Statkraft and is expected to reach commercial operation in Q1, 2023.
Financial Performance
Dividend cover for the six months ended 30 June 2021 was 1.4x net and 1.8x gross of project level debt repayment.
Cash balances, which include the Group and the SPV wind farms was €49.2 million at 30 June 2021, being an increase of €7.8 million over the six months.
Group and wind farm SPV cash flows |
For the six months ended |
|
|
Net (1) |
Gross (1) |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
|
Net cash generation |
31,923 |
40,239 |
Dividends paid |
(22,460) |
(22,460) |
|
|
|
SPV Capex & PSO Cashflow (2) |
3,531 |
3,531 |
SPV level debt repayment |
0 |
(8,316) |
|
|
|
Acquisitions (3) |
(273,959) |
(273,959) |
Acquisition costs |
(2,590) |
(2,590) |
|
|
|
Equity issuance |
0 |
0 |
Equity issuance costs |
(70) |
(70) |
|
|
|
Net drawdown under debt facilities |
275,000 |
275,000 |
Upfront finance costs |
(1,160) |
(1,160) |
|
|
|
Movement in cash (Group and wind farm SPVs) |
10,215 |
10,215 |
Opening cash balance (Group and wind farm SPVs) |
39,024 |
39,024 |
Ending cash balance (Group and wind farm SPVs) |
49,239 |
49,239 |
|
|
|
Net cash generation (1) |
31,923 |
40,239 |
Dividends |
(22,460) |
(22,460) |
Dividend cover |
1.4x |
1.8x |
(1) The dividend cover table shows two scenarios: the first reflects cash generation net of the Group's share of project level debt repayment (€8,316k) 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, Saint Martin, Sommette and Pasilly.
(2) Cashflows reflect residual capital expenditure from acquired SPVs, being (€1.7 million), less capital expenditure on the Killala Battery project of (€2.1 million), plus REFIT PSO working capital movements of €7.3 million relating to wind farm SPV's.
(3) Acquisition consideration is net of the acquired SPV cash of €20,123k.
The following two tables provide further detail in relation to net generation figures of €40.2 million (gross) and €31.9 million (net).
Net Cash Generation - Breakdown |
For the six months ended |
|
|
Net |
Gross |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
Revenue |
72,984 |
72,984 |
Operating expenses |
(23,317) |
(23,317) |
Tax / VAT |
(514) |
(514) |
Wind farm operating cashflow |
49,153 |
49,153 |
SPV level debt interest |
(3,430) |
(3,430) |
SPV level debt repayment |
(8,316) |
0 |
Wind farm cashflow |
37,407 |
45,723 |
|
|
|
Management fee |
(3,521) |
(3,521) |
Operating expenses |
(335) |
(335) |
Ongoing finance costs |
(2,242) |
(2,242) |
VAT |
613 |
613 |
Group cashflow |
(5,485) |
(5,485) |
|
|
|
Net cash generation |
31,923 |
40,239 |
Net Cash Generation - Reconciliation to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
For the six months ended |
|
|
Net |
Gross |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities (1) |
5,631 |
5,631 |
Movement in cash balances of wind farm SPVs (2) |
1,205 |
1,205 |
SPV capex and PSO cashflow (3) |
(3,168) |
(3,168) |
Repayment of debt at SPV level (2) |
0 |
8,316 |
Repayment of shareholder loan investment (1) |
31,097 |
31,097 |
Finance costs (1) |
(1,682) |
(1,682) |
Upfront finance costs (cash) (4) |
(1,160) |
(1,160) |
Net cash generation |
31,923 |
40,239 |
(1) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
(2) Note 8 to the Financial Statements.
(3) €3,168k cashflows reflect residual capital expenditure from acquired SPVs (covered by the vendor of the SPVs) of (€1.7 million), plus capital expenditure on the Killala Battery project (€2.1 million) and plus €632k SPV working capital.
(4) €1,160k includes €719k facility arrangement fees plus €441k professional fees (as per note 12 to the Financial Statements).
During the period, the Group acquired two wind farms and completed the construction of the 6th turbine as part of the Killala wind farm for a total of €274.3 million. The investments were predominately financed by an increase in the aggregate debt of €265.4 million. The movement in aggregate debt included a €10 million repayment from the Group's excess cash reserves. This prudent use of gearing further enhanced the portfolio returns with an overall increase in the NAV over the period of €0.3 million (or +0.1 cent on a per share basis).
The movement in the portfolio value of €14.6 million is in line with the unwinding of the discount rate over the period, that is off set by the net movement in cash held at both Group level and within the SPV's.
The NAV increase per share remained broadly flat during the period.
Dividends totally €22.5 million were paid in the period on 27 February and 3 June 2021.
The share price at 30 June 2021 was 117.0 cents, representing a 15.8 per cent. premium to NAV.
|
Cent per share |
|
|
NAV at 31 December 2020 |
101.0 |
Less February 2021 dividend |
(1.5) |
NAV at 31 December 2020 (ex-dividend) |
99.5 |
|
|
NAV at 30 June 2021 |
101.1 |
Less August 2021 dividend |
(1.5) |
NAV at 30 June 2021 (ex-dividend) |
99.6 |
|
|
Movement in NAV (ex-dividend) |
0.1 |
Reconciliation of Statutory Net Assets to Reported NAV
|
As at
|
As at |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
DCF valuation |
1,367,428 |
1,112,352 |
Other relevant assets (wind farm SPVs) |
27,031 |
22,370 |
Cash (wind farm SPVs) |
44,503 |
22,507 |
Fair value of investments (1) |
1,438,962 |
1,157,229 |
Cash (Group) |
4,738 |
16,517 |
Other relevant (liabilities)/assets (2) |
(1,329) |
2,944 |
GAV |
1,442,371 |
1,176,690 |
Aggregate Group Debt (3) |
(693,259) |
(427,877) |
NAV |
749,112 |
748,813 |
|
|
|
Reconciling items |
- |
- |
Statutory net assets |
749,112 |
748,813 |
|
|
|
Shares in issue |
741,238,938 |
741,238,938 |
NAV per share (cent) |
101.1 |
101.0 |
(1) The fair value of investments are shown gross of €203.3 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 net assets at 30 June 2021 are gross of €2.7 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 reflects €215 million drawn under the Group's revolving credit facility, (gross of €2.7 million of capitalised facility arrangement fees) and consistent with Note 12 to the financial statements, plus €275 million of term debt and €203.3 million of debt and swap fair values held at SPV wind farm level.
Gearing
As at 30 June 2021, the aggregate Group debt was €693 million, which equates to 48.1 per cent of GAV. This comprises €215 million drawn under the Group's Revolving Credit Facility (the "RCF"), the Group's proportionate share of asset level, long-term project finance debt of €203 million, and a five-year term loan facility of €275 million, that included a €75 million increase with the introduction of ING to the syndicate in April.
In addition, post the reporting period, the Investment Manager arranged a new seven-year €150 million term facility with a long term lender which will be used to refinance the RCF.
The group will continue to optimise the capital structure and take advantage of favourable debt market conditions.
Environmental, Social and Governance
The Investment Manager recognises the role of ESG matters in driving long-term value and resilience, as well as the importance to all of the Group's stakeholders. During the period the Group achieved the following:
§ Environmental - increased generation capacity, supporting Ireland, France, and Finland's transition towards a net zero carbon emissions economy; supporting for a four-year research project at Trinity College Dublin aiming to improve the biodiversity benefits of onshore wind farms; ongoing habitat management plans across the portfolio;
§ Social - active engagement with, and support provided to, local communities surrounding the areas in which the wind farms are located, with particular concern for how they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Group expects to fund over €1 million of community initiatives; and
§ Governance - Supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, which addresses climate related risks and opportunities, and participation in other ESG initiatives such as the CDP.
Further details of the Group's ESG initiatives can be found in the latest ESG report, available on the Company's website www.greencoat-renewables.com.
Outlook
The outlook for the Group remains positive, with strong operational performance from the existing portfolio coupled with a healthy pipeline of attractive investment opportunities.
Continental Europe
We continue to see significant investment opportunities in continental Europe and have an active pipeline across the continent providing the Group with access to a wide range of assets. This pipeline is largely comprised of sellers well known to the Investment Manager, including European utilities and developers with whom we have transacted previously.
We are currently seeing value in the renewable energy markets in both the Iberian and Nordic regions, where subsidy-free renewable infrastructure development continues to see strong growth, as well as providing access to attractive Corporate PPA market. This well complements our strategy of acquiring highly contracted (tariff-based) assets in Ireland and Northern European markets.
In line with our strategy, growth in continental Europe gives us access to the widest pool of assets, while allowing us to diversify the business, in terms of weather patterns, power markets and regulatory frameworks, and avoiding currency risk.
Ireland
2021 has continued to evidence the strong growth dynamics in the Irish renewables market with the continued build-out of new renewable assets under the RESS scheme, as well as the emergence of a maturing corporate PPA market. We continue to see new opportunities both in REFIT and RESS with over 4.0GW of onshore wind capacity in operation or construction representing a c €8bn market size.
Ireland's Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) published the framework for Ireland's Offshore Electricity Transmission System in May, which included a roadmap to facilitate significant growth in renewable energy, as well as specific expansion of the offshore wind sector. The plan includes 5GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030 (increased from the original 3.5GW announced in 2020). This will be supported by a new regulatory consenting regime for the offshore renewable energy sector.
Greencoat is seeing a significant pipeline of late-stage development opportunities for offshore wind on the east coast of Ireland. These would represent a substantial power export opportunity for the country, enabled by the announced plans for significantly increased interconnector capacity between Ireland and the UK, and Ireland and France. In addition, we are seeing an early-stage pipeline of floating wind on the west coast which has the potential to support an emerging large green hydrogen production sector.
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
|
Note |
For the six months ended 30 June 2021 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2020 |
|
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Return on investments |
3 |
32,991 |
21,756 |
Other income |
|
- |
39 |
Total income and gains |
|
32,991 |
21,795 |
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses |
4 |
(4,605) |
(4,382) |
Investment acquisition costs |
|
(2,309) |
(835) |
Operating profit |
|
26,077 |
16,578 |
|
|
|
|
Finance expense |
12 |
(3,362) |
(3,257) |
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period before tax |
|
22,715 |
13,321 |
|
|
|
|
Taxation |
5 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period after tax |
|
22,715 |
13,321 |
|
|
|
|
Profit and total comprehensive income attributable to: |
|
|
|
Equity holders of the Company |
|
22,715 |
13,321 |
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
Basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations during the period (cent) |
6 |
3.06 |
2.11 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
As at 30 June 2021
|
Note |
30 June 2021 |
31 December 2020 |
|
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Non current assets |
|
|
|
Investments at fair value through profit or loss |
8 |
1,235,703 |
944,352 |
|
|
1,235,703 |
944,352 |
Current assets |
|
|
|
Receivables |
10 |
339 |
4,095 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
4,738 |
16,517 |
|
|
5,077 |
20,612 |
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
Payables |
11 |
(5,897) |
(5,343) |
|
|
|
|
Net current (liabilities)/assets |
|
(820) |
15,269 |
|
|
|
|
Non current liabilities |
|
|
|
Loans and borrowings |
12 |
(485,771) |
(210,808) |
Net assets |
|
749,112 |
748,813 |
|
|
|
|
Capital and reserves |
|
|
|
Called up share capital |
14 |
7,412 |
7,412 |
Share premium account |
14 |
507,520 |
507,476 |
Other distributable reserves |
|
139,308 |
161,768 |
Retained earnings |
|
94,872 |
72,157 |
Total shareholders' funds |
|
749,112 |
748,813 |
|
|
|
|
Net assets per share (cent) |
15 |
101.1 |
101.0 |
Authorised for issue by the Board on 12 September 2021 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.
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.
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
For the six months ended 30 June 2020 |
Note |
Share capital €'000 |
Share premium €'000 |
Other distributable deserves €'000 |
Retained earnings €'000 |
Total €'000 |
|
||
Opening net assets attributable to shareholders (1 January 2020) |
|
6,306 |
385,669 |
199,936 |
58,089 |
650,000 |
|
||
Interim dividends paid in the period |
|
- |
- |
(19,060) |
- |
(19,060) |
|
||
Profit and total comprehensive income for the period |
|
- |
- |
- |
13,321 |
13,321 |
|
||
Closing net assets attributable to shareholders |
|
6,306 |
385,669 |
180,876 |
71,410 |
644,261 |
|
||
After taking account of cumulative unrealised gains in fair value of investments of €75,300,316 the total reserves distributable by way of a dividend as at 30 June 2020 were €176,985,497.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
|
Note |
For the six months ended 30 June 2021 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2020 |
|
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
16 |
5,631 |
10,108 |
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
Acquisition of investments |
8 |
(296,672) |
(66,478) |
Investment acquisition costs |
|
(2,590) |
(835) |
Repayment of shareholder loan investments |
8 |
31,097 |
18,704 |
Net cash flows from investing activities |
|
(268,165) |
(48,609) |
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
Payment of issue costs |
|
(103) |
(142) |
Dividends paid |
7 |
(22,460) |
(19,060) |
Amounts drawn down on loan facilities |
12 |
360,000 |
306,000 |
Amounts repaid on loan facilities |
12 |
(85,000) |
(240,000) |
Finance costs |
|
(1,682) |
(5,854) |
Net cash flows from financing activities |
|
250,755 |
40,944 |
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period |
|
(11,779) |
2,443 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
|
16,517 |
6,020 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
|
4,738 |
8,463 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
1. Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Interim Report have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting".
The interim financial statements have been prepared 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. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified for the measurement of certain financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss.
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 2020. The audited annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 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 2021, the Group had net assets of €749.1 million (31 December 2020: €748.8 million) and cash balances of €4.7 million (31 December 2020: €16.5 million) which are sufficient to meet current obligations as they fall due.
In the period since early 2020 and up to the date of this report, the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the global economy. The Directors and Investment Manager continue to actively monitoring this and the effect on the Group and its SPVs. In particular, they have considered the following specific key impacts:
§ Unavailability of key personnel at the Investment Manager or Administrator;
§ Disruptions to maintenance or repair at the investee company level; and
§ Allowance for expected counterparty credit losses.
In considering the above key impacts of COVID-19 on the Group and SPV operations, the Directors have assessed these with reference to the mitigation measures in place. At the Group level, the key personnel at the Investment Manager and Administrator have successfully implemented business continuity plans to ensure business disruption is minimised, including remote working, and all staff are continuing to assume their day-today responsibilities.
SPV revenues are derived from the sale of electricity and is received through power purchase agreements in place with reputable providers of electricity to the market and also through government subsidies. Therefore, the Directors and the Investment Manager do not expect a significant impact on revenue and cash flows of the SPVs. The SPVs also have various risk mitigation plans in place to ensure, as far as possible, electricity generation from the sites are maintained. The SPVs have contractual operating and maintenance agreements in place with large and reputable providers. Wind farm availability has not been significantly affected: wind farms may be accessed and operated remotely in some instances; otherwise, social distancing has been possible in large part and personal protective equipment has been used where not possible, for instance where major component changes have been necessary. The Investment Manager is confident that there are appropriate continuity plans in place at each provider to ensure that the underlying wind farms are maintained appropriately and that any faults would continue to be addressed in a timely manner.
Based on the assessment outlined above, including the various risk mitigation measures in place, the Directors do not consider that the effects of COVID-19 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 has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of approval of this report. 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 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 France. All of the Group's non-current assets are located in Ireland and France.
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 1 per cent of NAV per annum on that part of NAV up to and including €1 billion, as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Investment management fees paid or accrued in the period were as follows:
|
For the six months ended 30 June 2021 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2020 |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Investment management fees |
3,691 |
3,247 |
|
3,691 |
3,247 |
As at 30 June 2021, €1,855,028 was payable in relation to investment management fees (31 December 2020: €1,685,383).
3. Return on investments
|
For the six
months ended |
For the six
months ended |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Dividends received (note 17) |
1,498 |
8,551 |
Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 8) |
25,776 |
7,226 |
Interest on shareholder loan investment |
5,717 |
5,979 |
|
32,991 |
21,756 |
4. Operating expenses
|
For the six
months ended |
For the six
months ended |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Investment management fees (note 2) |
3,691 |
3,247 |
Other expenses |
589 |
561 |
Group and SPV administration fees |
126 |
401 |
Non-executive Directors' remuneration |
159 |
129 |
Fees to the Company's Auditor: |
|
|
for audit of the statutory financial statements |
37 |
41 |
for other services |
3 |
3 |
|
4,605 |
4,382 |
The fees to the Company's Auditor include €3,000 (2020: €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 2021 is €nil (30 June 2020: €nil). The Group is not expected to have tax losses carried forward to offset against current and future profits as at 30 June 2021 (30 June 2020: €399,458).
6. Earnings per share
|
For the six
months ended |
For the six
months ended |
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company - €'000 |
22,715 |
13,321 |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue |
741,238,938 |
630,619,469 |
Basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations in the period (cent) |
3.06 |
2.11 |
7. Dividends declared with respect to the period
Interim dividends paid during the period ended 30 June 2021 |
Dividend per Share cent |
Total Dividend |
With respect to the quarter ended 31 December 2020 |
1.5150 |
11,230 |
With respect to the quarter ended 31 March 2021 |
1.5150 |
11,230 |
|
3.0300 |
22,460 |
Interim dividends declared after 30 June 2021 and not accrued in the period |
Dividend per Share cent |
Total Dividend |
With respect to the quarter ended 30 June 2021 |
1.5150 |
11,230 |
|
1.5150 |
11,230 |
As disclosed in note 18, the Board approved a dividend of 1.515 cent per share on 27 August 2021 in relation to the quarter ended 30 June 2021, bringing total dividends declared with respect to the period to 3.03 cent per share. The record date for the dividend was 30 July 2021 and the payment date was 27 August 2021.
8. Investments at fair value through profit or loss
For the period ended 30 June 2021 |
Loans |
Equity interest |
Total |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
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 |
|
732,385 |
503,318 |
1,235,703 |
For the period ended 30 June 2020 |
Loans |
Equity interest |
Total |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
435,336 |
414,771 |
850,107 |
Additions |
57,182 |
9,440 |
66,622 |
Shareholder loan interest capitalised |
1,339 |
- |
1,339 |
Repayment of shareholder loan investments |
(18,704) |
- |
(18,704) |
Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 3) |
2,160 |
7,226 |
9,386 |
|
477,313 |
431,437 |
908,750 |
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 2021 €'000 |
For the six months ended 30 June 2020 €'000 |
Decrease in valuation of investments |
(18,457) |
(10,842) |
Movement in swap fair values at SPV level |
1,025 |
129 |
Repayment of debt at SPV level |
8,316 |
5,266 |
Loan interest capitalised |
- |
(1,339) |
Repayment of shareholder loan investments (note 17) |
31,097 |
18,704 |
Movement in cash balances of SPVs |
1,205 |
(3,367) |
Acquisition costs |
2,590 |
835 |
|
25,776 |
9,386 |
Fair value measurements
As disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020, 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 2021. All other financial instruments are classified as level 2.
Sensitivity analysis
The fair value of the Group's investments is €1,235,703,017 (31 December 2020: €944,352,444). 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 per cent |
+ 0.25 per cent |
(22,718) |
(3.1) |
|
|
- 0.25 per cent |
23,500 |
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Energy yield |
P50 |
10 year P90 |
(61,208) |
(8.3) |
|
|
10 year P10 |
60,895 |
8.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Power price |
Forecast by leading consultant |
- 10 per cent |
(61,843) |
(8.3) |
|
+ 10 per cent |
62,664 |
8.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inflation rate |
2.0 per cent |
- 0.5 per cent |
(44,036) |
(5.9) |
|
|
+ 0.5 per cent |
48,954 |
6.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Life |
30 years |
- 5 years |
(95,911) |
(12.9) |
|
|
+ 5 years |
65,150 |
8.8 |
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 |
Registered Office |
|||
Cordal |
Ireland |
Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2 |
100% |
Glencarbry |
Ireland |
Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2 |
100% |
There are no changes to unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Group and there is no changes to associates and joint venture of the group as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020.
There have been no changes to security deposits or guarantees as disclosed in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020.
10. Receivables
|
30 June 2021 |
31 December 2020 |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Accrued income |
233 |
3,774 |
Sundry receivables |
22 |
218 |
VAT receivable |
13 |
58 |
Prepayments |
71 |
45 |
|
339 |
4,095 |
|
|
|
11. Payables |
|
|
|
30 June 2021 |
31 December 2020 |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Investment management fees payable |
1,855 |
1,685 |
Acquisition costs payable |
1,151 |
1,389 |
Other payables |
2,106 |
1,325 |
Loan interest payable |
724 |
556 |
Commitment fee payable |
61 |
224 |
Share issue costs payable |
- |
157 |
Other finance costs payable |
- |
7 |
|
5,897 |
5,343 |
12. Loans and borrowings
30 June 2021 |
31 December 2020 |
|
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Opening balance |
210,808 |
206,000 |
Revolving Credit Facility |
|
|
Drawdowns |
285,000 |
362,074 |
Repayments |
(85,000) |
(553,074) |
Finance costs capitalised |
(246) |
(2,897) |
Amortisation |
725 |
725 |
Term debt facilities |
|
|
Drawdowns |
75,000 |
200,000 |
Finance costs capitalised |
(616) |
(2,120) |
Amortisation |
100 |
100 |
Closing balance |
485,771 |
210,808 |
Non current liabilities |
485,771 |
210,808 |
|
For the six |
For the six
months ended |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Loan interest |
1,820 |
1,562 |
Professional fees |
441 |
1,164 |
Commitment fees |
382 |
293 |
Facility arrangement fees |
719 |
238 |
Finance expense |
3,362 |
3,257 |
As at 30 June 2021, the principal balance of the RCF was €215,000,000 (31 December 2020: €15,000,000), accrued interest was €13,294 (31 December 2020: €5,284) and the outstanding commitment fee was €61,046 (31 December 2020: €223,662).
In April 2021, the Group increased the 5-year term debt arrangements adding ING into the banking syndicate. Details of the Group's term debt facilities and associated interest rate swaps are set out in the below table:
Provider |
|||||
CBA |
7 October 2025 |
1.55 |
(0.399) |
75,000 |
206 |
ING |
7 October 2025 |
1.55 |
(0.300) |
75,000 |
160 |
NAB |
7 October 2025 |
1.55 |
(0.399) |
75,000 |
206 |
Natwest |
7 October 2025 |
1.55 |
(0.396) |
50,000 |
138 |
|
|
|
|
275,000 |
710 |
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.
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 Cloghan and Taghart wind farms for a headline consideration of €123 million. The investment is scheduled to complete in late 2022 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 Q2, 2022 once the wind farm is fully operational.
14. Share capital - ordinary shares
At 30 June 2021, the Company had authorised share capital of 2,000,000,000 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 2021 |
Opening balance |
741,238,938 |
7,412 |
507,476 |
514,888 |
|
Issues costs paid during the period |
- |
- |
44 |
44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2021 |
|
741,238,938 |
7,412 |
507,520 |
514,932 |
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 2021 |
31 December 2020 |
Net assets - €'000 |
749,112 |
748,813 |
Number of ordinary shares issued |
741,238,938 |
741,238,938 |
Total net assets - cent |
101.1 |
101.0 |
16. Reconciliation of operating profit for the period to net cash from operating activities
|
For the six months ended |
For the six months ended |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
Operating profit for the period |
26,077 |
16,578 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
Unrealised movement in fair value of investments (note 8) |
(25,776) |
(7,226) |
Investment acquisition costs |
2,309 |
835 |
Loan interest capitalised |
- |
(1,339) |
Finance costs capitalised |
(862) |
- |
Amortisation of finance costs |
825 |
- |
Decrease in receivables |
3,756 |
812 |
(Decrease)/Increase in payables |
(698) |
448 |
Net cash flows from operating activities |
5,631 |
10,108 |
17. Related party transactions
During the period, Holdco made repayments of €17,200,000 (30 June 2020: €18,150,000) . During the period, the Company also received shareholder loan repayments from Knockacummer of €4,155,069 (30 June 2020: €1,994,445) and Killhills of €1,100,000 (30 June 2020: €573,187).
The below table shows the Group's dividend and management fee income:
|
For the six months ending 30 June 2021 |
For the six months ending 30 June 2020 |
||
Management Fee income |
Dividend Income |
Management Fee income |
Dividend Income |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Cloosh Valley |
- |
- |
- |
5,028 |
Ballybane |
- |
- |
13 |
2,750 |
Beam Hill |
- |
- |
- |
773 |
Knocknalour |
- |
248 |
- |
- |
Knockacummer |
- |
- |
13 |
- |
Killhills |
- |
- |
13 |
- |
Gortahile |
- |
750 |
- |
- |
Raheenleagh |
- |
500 |
- |
- |
|
- |
1,498 |
39 |
8,551 |
The table below shows the Group's shareholder loans with the wind farm investments
|
Loans at 1 January 2021(1) |
Loans advanced in the period |
Loan interest capitalised in the period |
Loan Repayments |
Loans at 30 June 2021 |
Accrued interest at 30 June 2021 |
Total
|
2021 interest on shareholder loan investment |
|
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
€'000 |
Knockacummer |
116,502 |
- |
- |
(5,024) |
111,478 |
528 |
112,006 |
1,206 |
Monaincha |
65,274 |
- |
- |
(1,800) |
63,474 |
219 |
63,693 |
503 |
Glanaruddery |
48,033 |
- |
- |
(1,700) |
46,333 |
158 |
46,491 |
365 |
Ballybane |
39,108 |
- |
- |
(3,300) |
35,808 |
123 |
35,931 |
287 |
Killala |
26,706 |
- |
- |
(450) |
26,256 |
126 |
26,382 |
359 |
Letteragh |
25,350 |
- |
- |
(150) |
25,200 |
341 |
25,541 |
316 |
Killhills |
25,071 |
- |
- |
(2,100) |
22,971 |
45 |
23,016 |
34 |
An Cnoc |
17,547 |
- |
- |
(400) |
17,147 |
59 |
19,060 |
135 |
Kostroma |
16,577 |
1,854 |
- |
- |
18,431 |
65 |
16,642 |
142 |
Gortahile |
16,339 |
- |
- |
(699) |
15,640 |
53 |
15,693 |
122 |
Tullynamoyle II |
14,511 |
- |
- |
(150) |
14,361 |
49 |
14,410 |
111 |
Garranereagh |
13,733 |
- |
- |
(500) |
13,233 |
42 |
13,275 |
97 |
Carrickallen |
13,498 |
- |
- |
(500) |
12,998 |
89 |
13,087 |
205 |
Sommette |
12,607 |
- |
- |
- |
12,607 |
694 |
13,301 |
287 |
Lisdowney |
10,623 |
- |
- |
(1,020) |
9,603 |
49 |
9,652 |
116 |
Beam Hill Extension |
9,140 |
- |
- |
- |
9,140 |
112 |
9,252 |
71 |
Pasilly |
8,870 |
- |
- |
(150) |
8,720 |
264 |
8,984 |
202 |
Cloosh Valley |
7,015 |
- |
- |
(2,441) |
4,574 |
- |
4,574 |
|
Sliabh Bawn |
6,879 |
- |
- |
(713) |
6,166 |
55 |
6,221 |
21 |
Knocknalour |
5,795 |
- |
- |
- |
5,795 |
32 |
5,827 |
73 |
Saint Martin |
3,543 |
- |
- |
- |
3,543 |
178 |
3,721 |
74 |
Cordal |
- |
179,501 |
- |
(10,000) |
169,501 |
895 |
170,396 |
687 |
Glencarbry |
- |
73,264 |
- |
- |
73,264 |
374 |
73,638 |
287 |
Killala Battery |
- |
1,570 |
- |
- |
1,570 |
22 |
1,592 |
17 |
|
502,721 |
256,189 |
- |
(31,097) |
727,813 |
4,572 |
732,385 |
5,717 |
(1) Excludes accrued interest at 31 December 2020 of €2,831 .
18. Subsequent events
On 27 August 2021, the Board approved a dividend of €11.2million, equivalent to 1.515 cent per share in relation to the quarter ended 30 June 2021. The record date for the dividend was 30 July 2021 and the payment date was 27 August 2021.
The Group entered into a new seven-year term facility with a long-term institutional lender on favourable terms, which provides the Group with an additional €150 million to be utilised in the second half of 2021.
19. Board approval
The Group's Interim Report and Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 12 September 2021.
Directors (all non-executive) |
Registered Company Number |
Rónán Murphy |
598470 |
Emer Gilvarry |
|
Kevin McNamara |
|
Marco Graziano |
Registered Office |
|
Riverside One |
Investment Manager |
Sir John Rogerson's Quay |
Greencoat Capital LLP |
Dublin 2 |
4th Floor The Peak |
|
5 Wilton Road |
|
London SW1V 1AN |
Registered Auditor |
|
BDO |
|
Beaux Lane House |
Company Secretary Ocorian Administration (UK) Limited |
Mercer Street Lower Dublin 2 |
(formerly Estera Administration (UK) Limited) |
|
Unit 18 Innovation Centre |
|
Northern Ireland Science Park |
Legal Advisers |
Queens Road |
McCann Fitzgerald |
Belfast BT3 9DT |
Riverside One |
|
Sir John Rogerson's Quay |
Administrator |
Dublin 2 |
Northern Trust International Fund |
|
Administration Services (Ireland) Limited |
|
54-62 Townsend Street |
Euronext Growth Advisor, NOMAD |
Dublin 2 |
and Broker |
|
J&E Davy |
|
Davy House |
Depositary |
49 Dawson Street |
Northern Trust International Fiduciary |
Dublin 2 |
Services (Ireland) Limited |
|
Georges Court |
Account Banks |
54-62 Townsend Street |
Allied Irish Banks plc. |
Dublin 2 |
40/41 Westmoreland Street |
|
Dublin 2
|
Registrar |
Northern Trust International Fiduciary |
Computershare Investor Services |
Services (Ireland) Limited |
(Ireland) Limited |
Georges Court |
3100 Lake Drive |
56-62 Townsend Street |
Citywest Business Campus |
Dublin 2 |
Dublin 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
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
An Cnoc means Cnoc Windfarms Limited
Ballybane means Ballybane Windfarms Limited
BDO means the Company's Auditor as at the reporting date
Beam Hill means Beam Wind Limited
Beam Hill Extension means Meenaward Wind Farm Limited
Brexit mean the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union
Board means the Directors of the Company
Carrickallen means Carrickallen Wind Farm
CBA means Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Cloosh Valley means Cloosh Valley Wind Farm Holdings DAC and Cloosh Valley Wind Farm DAC
Company means Greencoat Renewables PLC
Cordal means Cordal Windfarm Holdings Limited, Oak Energy Supply Limited and Cordal Windfarms Limited
CBI means the Central Bank of Ireland
CDP means Carbon Disclosure Project
CFD means Contract for Difference
CIBC means Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
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
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 Greencoat Renewables PLC, Holdco and, Holdco 2
Holdco means GR Wind Farms 1 Limited
Holdco 1 means Greencoat Renewables 1 Holdings Limited
Holdco 2 means 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
Review Section means the front end review section of this report (including but not limited to the Chairman's Statement and the Investment Manager's Report)
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
Solar PV means a solar photovoltaic system, which is a power system designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics.
Sommette means Parc Eolien Des Tournevents SAS
SPVs means the Special Purpose Vehicles, which hold the Group's investment portfolio of underlying operating wind Farms
Saint Martin means Parc Eolien Des Courtibeaux SAS
TCFD means Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
TSR means Total Shareholder Return
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
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.