Preliminary Results Announcement

RNS Number : 7370D

SIMEC Atlantis Energy Limited

28 June 2019

 

28 June 2019

SIMEC ATLANTIS ENERGY LIMITED

 ("Atlantis", the "Company" or the "Group")

Preliminary Results Announcement

SIMEC Atlantis Energy Limited, the global developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy projects with a diversified portfolio of more than 1,000 megawatts in various stages of development, is pleased to announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2018.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

•	The consolidated Group cash position at 31 December 2018 was £9.3 million (2017: £5.6 million), including £2.4 million held in MeyGen Limited (2017: £3.8 million).
•	The MeyGen project generated revenues of £2.1 million.
•	Overall Group losses for the year were £24.0 million (2017: £10.6 million). The increase in the year on year loss of £13.4 million reflects the significant changes in the Group in the period. Increased depreciation expense of £5 million and finance costs of £1.5 million are the result of MeyGen becoming operational in April and the acquisition of SUP in June. SUP acquisition costs and financial results also contributed to the increased loss.
•	Group total equity at 31 December 2018 of £119.6 million (2017: £60.2 million).
•	In May 2018, Atlantis raised £5.0 million, before expenses, through a five year bond with a coupon of 8 per cent, maturing in 2023. In June 2018, Atlantis raised a further £20.0 million before expenses from new and existing shareholders. Funds raised continue to be used for incremental project development activities across the Atlantis portfolio and to secure opportunities for portfolio growth as well as working capital funding for the enlarged Group.
•	Atlantis completed the sale of its stake in its Canadian joint venture in December 2018. The cash transaction returned C$0.4 million to the Company.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

•	April 2018 saw the flagship MeyGen Phase 1A tidal energy project enter its fully operational phase, with all four turbines successfully installed and delivering power to the grid, resulting in revenue generation. The array has generated over 17 GWh of sustainable energy to date and has exported more electricity to grid than any other tidal project.
•	In June 2018, the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of SIMEC Uskmouth Power Limited ("SUP") from SIMEC UK Energy Holdings Limited ("SIMEC"), a member of the GFG Alliance.
•		Consideration for the purchase was the issuance by the Company of new shares to SIMEC, such that immediately following the issuance of such shares, SIMEC became a 49.99 per cent shareholder of the Company and Group.
•		Post-acquisition, Atlantis have commenced the world's first full conversion of a power station from coal to 100 per cent waste derived fuel, which will export 220MW of reliable baseload power to the grid on completion.
•		In November 2018, the Environmental Planning and Permitting ("EPP") contract and the Front-End Engineering and Design ("FEED") contracts were both awarded. The FEED is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete from commencement.
•		Heads of Terms were signed in November 2018 to sell a 25 per cent shareholding in the SUP conversion project for £32.9 million in cash to leading UK infrastructure fund manager Equitix. The transaction is anticipated to complete post FEED.
•	The Company agreed terms in November 2018 for its collaboration with Development Agency for Normandy (AD Normandie Développement), the regional agency for economic development in Normandy and regional investment fund Normandie Participations, for the purpose of developing a phased large-scale tidal power project in the Raz Blanchard, Normandy, France, as well as fostering the marine industry and local supply chain in the region more generally.
•	Atlantis announced in December 2018, that it had signed a €1 million grant agreement with the European Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises via the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and its Sustainable Blue Economy call for proposals. The grant will provide Atlantis and its supply chain partner, Asturfeito SAU, €1 million in grant funding to support its tidal turbine development programme.

POST YEAR END HIGHLIGHTS

•	Atlantis announced in October 2018, that it had advanced plans to enhance the existing 6MW MeyGen array with the addition of two of the Company's new tidal turbines. When installed, these new Atlantis turbines, which are capable of generating up to 2MW using more powerful generators and larger rotor diameters, will use a new subsea connection hub and share a single export cable. These innovations will significantly reduce project infrastructure costs by removing the requirement for a dedicated export cable for each turbine and should also result in reduced installation costs.
•	In January 2019, Ian Wakelin joined the Board as an independent non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Ian was previously Chief Executive Officer of Biffa plc, one of the UK's largest waste management businesses, and led the IPO of the business in 2016.
•	In February 2019 Atlantis announced that it had awarded a contract to subsea engineering specialists ETA for the manufacture and delivery of the world's most advanced subsea tidal turbine connection system which will underpin the MeyGen extension activities known as Project Stroma.
•	In March 2019, Atlantis raised over £5 million, before expenses, through an equity fundraising to secure funding for the acquisition of GHR. As a result of the revised transaction the net proceeds will be used for the Company's general corporate purposes.
•	In May 2019, Atlantis announced that its turbine and engineering services division will enter into a Technology Partnership and Preferred Supplier Agreement ("TPPSA") with GE Energy Power Conversion UK Ltd ("GE"), a global leader in power conversion, to deliver the world's largest single rotor tidal turbine, the AR2000.

Tim Cornelius, Chief Executive of Atlantis, commented:

"In many ways, 2018 was a breakthrough year for SIMEC Atlantis. In April, Phase 1A of our flagship MeyGen tidal energy project entered its fully operational phase helping us to grow revenues and, with all four turbines successfully installed, has now delivered over 17 GWh of predictable and sustainable energy to the grid. In June, we completed the acquisition of the 220MW Uskmouth power station.

Our ambition is to grow quickly to become the leading independent generator of sustainable energy in the UK and we are making significant steps towards achieving that goal: we have commenced work on the world's first conversion of a coal power station to 100 per cent waste derived fuel at Uskmouth; and we are expanding MeyGen with Phase 1B (Project Stroma) through the installation of two additional turbines.

Our sustainable energy projects are not just good business, they are making a meaningful contribution towards tackling some of the biggest issues facing society today: climate change and the war on plastics."

The full Annual Report and Group financial statements will be available to download from the Company's website www.simecatlantis.com later today and the Annual Report will be distributed to shareholders. 

This announcement contains inside information

Enquiries: SIMEC Atlantis Energy Limited	Via FTI Consulting
Tim Cornelius, Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Dagley, Chief Financial Officer
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)	[phone]
Rick Thompson Richard Salmond   David Porter
J.P. Morgan Cazenove	[phone]
(Adviser and Joint Broker)
James Deal
Michael Wentworth Stanley
FTI Consulting	[phone]
Ben Brewerton Alex Beagley James Styles

 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

2018 was perhaps the most transformative year for our Group since our 2014 initial public offering, reflected not least in our change of name to SIMEC Atlantis Energy Limited following the reverse takeover of SIMEC Uskmouth Power Limited. This acquisition and the ensuing relationship with the SIMEC Group (part of the GFG Alliance) have added scale and momentum to our transition to a diversified, sustainable energy company. We entered 2019 with the announcement of our intention to acquire the Green Highland Renewables ("GHR") Group of companies from the GFG Alliance. Having assessed the available financing options for the Group to purchase GHR, it was determined that an alternative transaction structure would be in the interests of shareholders and we will provide further information in the near future. We have also continued our quest for geographic diversity, including through the formation of our new joint venture, Normandie Hydrolienne, which will be focused on the development of tidal energy projects to exploit the vast resources of the tides along the northern French coast.

Around the world, scientists are tracking the impacts of climate change, which is in turn forcing governments to act. The UK government has put moving to a cleaner, greener economy at the heart of its Industrial Strategy and is leading the world by introducing a bill in June 2019 to commit the government to a net zero emissions target. This means moving away from using conventional coal and gas-fired power to electricity generated from renewable sources such as tidal power, and achieving the ambitious aim of a carbon neutral economy by 2050. Generation continues from our flagship MeyGen project, which formally completed its construction phase in 2018 and has now produced more than 17 GWh of electricity, representing generation equivalent to the average annual consumption of some 5,500 UK households. This is more than any other tidal stream project in the world and demonstrates the pivotal position we have established in this sector. We are now proceeding with plans for the addition of two new turbines at the site together with a subsea hub, which is designed to permit connection of multiple turbines into a single subsea cable, allowing us to significantly reduce the balance of plant costs in future projects. This phase of the development is known as Project Stroma and, as part of the proposed funding package, we are investigating opportunities for replacement of the existing finance package to reflect the increasing maturity of the project. Project Stroma has already been awarded €16.8 million of revenue support funding from the European Commission's NER300 fund, which uses proceeds from the sale of carbon credits to support renewable energy and carbon capture projects.

South Wales is home to the 220MW Uskmouth power station conversion project, which represents one of the most exciting sustainable energy projects currently under development in the UK. Upon completion of the conversion from a coal fired power station, the plant is intended to deliver up to 220MW of baseload power to the grid by drawing solely on a fuel created from waste destined for landfill. In November 2018, the environmental planning and permitting contract and the Front-End Engineering and Design ("FEED") contract were awarded. In the same month, we were pleased to sign a Heads of Terms with leading UK infrastructure fund manager Equitix for the sale, subject to contract, of a 25 per cent stake in the project following completion of the FEED. This agreement implies a valuation for our 100 per cent stake of over £130 million.

Across the English Channel, northern France presents further opportunity for growth through the remarkable tidal resources of Normandy. Here we have entered into a collaboration with the regional agency for economic development and the regional investment fund, Normandie Participations, to form a joint venture company called Normandie Hydrolienne. This vehicle is dedicated to the development of tidal energy in the fast flowing Raz Blanchard, whose waters, together with those of neighbouring Alderney, could host up to 2GW of tidal turbines. Whilst these projects will take time to come to operational fruition, early planning is essential to enable us to carry forward the momentum gained recently in Scotland across to France.

Finally, on a global scale, we continue to seek out supply opportunities in Asia, Australia and North America for our marine energy technologies and services, including our new AR2000 tidal turbine and our range of engineering and project delivery skills across the sustainable energy spectrum.

The overall loss for the year reflects the development investment we continue to make in our flagship tidal energy and waste to energy projects, with consistent revenue generation from power sales expected as they come online over the next 24 months.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all our colleagues, shareholders and stakeholders for their continuing commitment and support for the Company, which is highly appreciated and valued.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 26 July 2019. Details of the resolutions to be proposed are set out in a separate Notice of Annual General Meeting, which accompanies this report for shareholders receiving hard copy documents, and which is available at www.simecatlantis.com for those who elected to

receive documents electronically.

John Neill

Chairman

27 June 2019

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT

In our 2017 Annual Report, I outlined our ambition to build a diversified portfolio of development and operational assets that could allow SIMEC Atlantis to quickly grow into one of the largest generators of sustainable energy in the UK. Since then, we have made a significant step towards that goal with the addition of the world leading Uskmouth waste-to-energy conversion project. Waste-to-energy complements our marine energy division and its operation of the flagship Meygen project, which has recently surpassed a world record 17GWh of predictable electricity generation exported to the grid in Scotland.

We are passionate about what we do at Atlantis. The ocean is the final frontier and offers a virtually limitless source of abundant energy. However, plastic waste threatens fragile marine ecosystems and energy mixes are changing faster than anyone could have previously anticipated, away from hydrocarbons in favour of renewable energy.

When it was designed and built in the 1950s in the Welsh city of Newport, the Uskmouth power station was intended to be run on the area's abundant local coal supply. Now, under an ambitious scheme for conversion, the plant is being repurposed to run on another abundant resource: waste. A successful conversion at Uskmouth could form the blueprint for other power stations destined to be decommissioned, providing instead an extended

period of valuable service in compliance with up-to-date emissions regulations and with materially lower levels of CO2 emissions. This project is expected to help the transition of the local economy and workforce in Newport from a historic reliance on coal to a new, sustainable future, while at the same time providing an economically viable alternative to landfill of waste and addressing the issue of non-recyclable plastics. The converted Uskmouth plant is intended to enter commercial operations in 2021 and will use pellets made from equal proportions of waste biogenic material, such as paper and cardboard, and other forms of waste, such as plastic. These pellets will be supplied by a joint venture set up between the GFG Alliance and N+P Group BV, a Dutch recycling group.

Unlike traditional waste incinerators, the primary purpose of the Uskmouth power station is the generation and sale of electricity, rather than the disposal of waste and the receipt of the associated fees from the producers of that waste. Rather than charging fees for waste disposal, the Uskmouth power station will buy fuel pellets, which are created from waste streams that are carefully processed to ensure strict adherence to an agreed specification

and high calorific value relative to raw waste. This is economically viable because of the high fuel quality and high efficiency of power station conversion, coupled with a low fuel price.

The project is governed by Best available techniques Reference documents ("BREFs") developed under the Industrial Emissions Directive and will adhere to all the applicable criteria set out within this legislation. As approximately 50 per cent of the energy pellets will be made up of biogenic derived waste, this component is

treated as carbon dioxide neutral because of its net-zero lifecycle emissions. Overall, we consider the conversion to be a sustainable approach, allowing an extension of the useful life of an otherwise redundant power station asset and the recovery of useful and high-quality energy from materials that could otherwise end up either in landfill or being incinerated in less efficient facilities. The conversion is a function of the circular economy, kicking into action to address the twin issues of waste repurposing and the need for dispatchable power, and is a great contribution towards the diversification of the Group's renewable energy portfolio.

These strides towards our goal have been made alongside continued development of our tidal energy business, in particular the record-breaking achievements at MeyGen and the future plans for Project Stroma, which will result in the deployment of two new turbines at the site.

None of this would have been possible without our people. What started over a decade ago as a small team of talented engineers has now grown to nearly 100 innovative, tenacious and dedicated experts with a passion for what we are doing. As we continue to seek new opportunities to be pioneers in the field of sustainable energy, I do not underestimate the importance and value of our people. Their commitment and dedication are unwavering,

creating value for the business on a daily basis. They are a source of inspiration for our executive management team. I would also be unable to deliver this positive outlook for the year ahead without the loyalty, belief and support of our shareholders, investors, government stakeholders and technology and construction partners. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Atlantis journey so far and welcome to the next exciting chapter!

2018 PERFORMANCE

The Group recorded a loss after tax of £24.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, compared with a £10.6 million loss in the prior year. This year on year movement is attributable to the MeyGen Phase 1A project entering its operational phase at the end of Q1 2018, and the acquisition of SUP in June 2018. These reflect the Group's continued investment in the development of energy projects.

Revenue of £2.2 million for the year (2017: £0.3 million), includes an increase of £1.8 million from power sales from the Meygen Phase 1A project.

Other income of £0.9 million (2017: £3.0 million) includes liquidated damages of £0.9 million awarded in 2018 (2017: £1.8 million). The prior year also included £1.1 million of grant income.

Total expenses for the year were £24.3 million (2017: £12.8 million). The increase of £11.5 million relates to power generation operating costs at MeyGen, the current running costs at SUP, depreciation of £5.4 million on these projects assets and one off acquisition costs of £3.6 million for SUP.

The Group's closing net asset balance was £119.6 million (2017: £60.2 million), the increase is mainly in relation to the acquisition of SUP, consolidating £53.4 million of net assets on the date of acquisition.

In May 2018, Atlantis raised £5.0 million, before expenses, through a five year bond with a coupon of 8 per cent, maturing in 2023. In June 2018, Atlantis raised a further £20.0 million before expenses from new and existing shareholders. Funds raised continue to be used for incremental project development activities across the Atlantis portfolio and to secure opportunities for portfolio growth as well as working capital funding for the

enlarged Group.

Post year-end, the Company raised £5 million, before expenses, through an equity fundraising to secure funding for the acquisition of GHR. As a result of the revised transaction the net proceeds will be used for the Company's general corporate purposes.

Timothy Cornelius

Chief Executive Officer

27 June 2019

Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income Year ended 31 December 2018
	Note	2018	2017
		£'000	£'000
Revenue	4	2,217	301
Other gains and losses	5	949	2,984
Employee benefits expense	6	(5,562)	(4,696)
Subcontractor costs		(4,396)	(1,359)
Depreciation and amortisation	10,11	(7,299)	(1,878)
Acquisition costs		(4,173)	(600)
Research and development		-	(81)
Other operating expenses		(2,902)	(4,193)
Total expenses		(24,332)	(12,807)
Results from operating activities		(21,166)	(9,522)
Finance costs	7	(2,998)	(1,617)
Loss before tax		(24,164)	(11,139)
Tax credit	8	120	575
Loss for the year	9	(24,044)	(10,564)
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations		-	(6)
Total comprehensive loss for the year		(24,044)	(10,570)
Loss attributable to:
Owners of the Group		(22,579)	(10,843)
Non-controlling interests	12	(1,465)	279
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Group		(22,579)	(10,849)
Non-controlling interests	12	(1,465)	279
Loss per share
Basic and diluted loss per share	25	(0.09)	(0.09)

No dividends were proposed or declared in respect of any of the years presented above.

Statements of financial position As at 31 December 2018
		Group		Company
	Note	2018	2017	2018	2017
		£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Assets
Property, plant and equipment	10	142,247	66,678	-	5
Intangible assets	11	32,753	34,291	1,829	2,091
Investments	12	-	-	63,278	5,369
Loans receivable	13	-	168	12,164	12,282
Trade and other receivables	14	-	-	39,432	19,367
Non-current assets		175,000	101,137	116,703	39,114
Trade and other receivables	14	4,156	3,415	700	1,094
Inventory	15	986	-	-	-
Cash and cash equivalents	16	9,267	5,579	5,342	96
Current assets		14,409	8,994	6,042	1,190
Total assets		189,409	110,131	122,745	40,304
Liabilities
Trade and other payables	17	8,523	5,212	2,107	1,564
Provisions	18	1,619	2,206	41	291
Loans and borrowings	19	2,765	5,524	130	174
Current liabilities		12,907	12,942	2,278	2,029
Provisions	18	14,282	1,314	-	-
Loans and borrowings	19	38,855	32,385	377	361
Deferred tax liabilities	20	3,802	3,255	-	-
Non-current liabilities		56,939	36,954	377	361
Total liabilities		69,846	49,896	2,655	2,390
Net assets		119,563	60,235	120,090	37,914
Equity
Share capital	21	178,218	95,030	178,218	95,030
Capital reserve	22	12,665	12,665	-	-
Translation reserve	23	7,073	7,161	(227)	(227)
Share option reserve	24	3,224	3,477	3,224	3,477
Accumulated losses		(88,479)	(66,425)	(61,125)	(60,366)
Total equity attributable to owners of the Company		112,701	51,908	120,090	37,914
Non-controlling interests	12	6,862	8,327	-	-
Total equity		119,563	60,235	120,090	37,914

Statements of changes in equity Year ended 31 December 2018			Attributable to owners of the Company
		Note	Share capital	Capital reserve	Translation reserve	Option fee	Share  option reserve	Accumulated losses	Total	Non- controlling interest	Total
			£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Group
At 1 January 2017			91,220	12,665	7,167	6	3,191	(55,666)	58,583	8,048	66,631
Total comprehensive income for the year
Loss for the year			-	-	-	-	-	(10,843)	(10,843)	279	(10,564)
Other comprehensive expense			-	-	(6)	-	-	-	(6)	-	(6)
Total comprehensive income for the year			-	-	(6)	-	-	(10,843)	(10,849)	279	(10,570)
Transactions with owners, recognised directly             in equity
Issue of ordinary shares		21	3,810	-	-	-	-	-	3,810	-	3,810
Recognition of share-based payments		24	-	-	-	-	364	-	364	-	364
Transfer between reserves			-	-	-	(6)	(78)	84	-	-	-
Total transactions with owners			3,810	-	-	(6)	286	84	4,174	-	4,174
At 31 December 2017			95,030	12,665	7,161	-	3,477	(66,425)	51,908	8,327	60,235
Total comprehensive income for the year
Loss for the year			-	-	-	-	-	(22,579)	(22,579)	(1,465)	(24,044)
Other comprehensive income			-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Total comprehensive income for the year			-	-	-	-	-	(22,579)	(22,579)	(1,465)	(24,044)
Transactions with owners, recognised directly       in equity
Issue of ordinary shares	21		83,188	-	-	-	-	-	83,188	-	83,188
Recognition of share-based payments	24		-	-	-	-	184	-	184	-	184
Transfer between reserves			-	-	(88)	-	(437)	525	-	-	-
Total transactions with owners			83,188	-	(88)	-	(253)	525	83,372	-	83,372
At 31 December 2018			178,218	12,665	7,073	-	3,224	(88,479)	112,701	6,862	119,563

Consolidated statement of cash flows Year ended 31 December 2018
	Note	2018	2017
		£'000	£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year		(24,164)	(11,139)
Adjustments for:
Grant income	5	(2)	(1,052)
Interest income	5	(8)	(86)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	10	5,782	384
Amortisation of intangible asset	11	1,517	1,494
Finance costs	7	2,998	1,617
Share-based payments	6	184	364
Provisions (written back) / made during the year		(607)	610
Bad debt provision	13	-	1,040
Net foreign exchange		96	27
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital		(14,204)	(6,741)
Movements in trade and other receivables		1,044	1,734
Movements in trade and other payables		(778)	(69)
Net cash used in operating activities		(13,938)	(5,076)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(802)	(10,306)
Proceeds from grants received		-	748
Expenditure on project development		-	(50)
Cash from disposal of joint venture	12	168	-
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	12	57	-
Net cash used in investing activities		(577)	(9,608)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from grants received		16	3,537
Proceeds from issue of shares	21	20,000	4,050
Share issuance cost	21	(897)	(240)
Proceeds from borrowings	19	4,970	4,950
Repayment of borrowings	19	(5,192)	(2,100)
Interest paid	19	(696)	(166)
Deposits released/(pledged)		864	(132)
Net cash from financing activities		19,065	9,899
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		4,550	(4,785)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January		3,801	8,586
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	16	8,351	3,801

Further detail may be read and downloaded from the company website at www.simecatlantis.com.

Annual General Meeting

Atlantis also announces that a Notice will be sent to shareholders to convene the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company.

The AGM will be held at the offices of Ashurst LLP, Broadwalk House, 5 Appold Street, London EC2A 2HA at 11.00a.m. (London time) on Friday 26 July 2019. The AGM Notice will also be made available on the Company's website at www.simecatlantis.com.                 

 

END

 

 

FR CKODQFBKDDAB