Vesper Energy, US utility-scale renewable energy assets developer, has announced the successful closing of financing for its Hornet Solar project, set to become one of the largest single-phase solar ventures in the United States. Covering over six square miles in Swisher County, Texas, the project is expected to generate 600 MWac of renewable energy annually, powering approximately 160,000 homes.
The financing, totaling $590 million, includes a construction-to-term loan and letter of credit facility, facilitated by a consortium of top-tier lenders and investors such as MUFG Bank Ltd., Nord/LB, and Santander Corporate & Investment Banking. This achievement not only underscores Vesper Energy's financial prowess but also its commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives across the nation.
According to Vesper Energy's Chief Financial Officer, Robert Scheuermann, the successful financing demonstrates the value generated by the company in the Hornet Solar asset and highlights the complexity involved in such large-scale renewable energy projects. Leveraging provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act, the financing also monetizes over $500 million of Production Tax Credits (PTCs) through a purchase commitment arranged by Advantage Capital.
The Hornet Solar project, constructed by Blattner Energy and interconnected to Oncor Electric's transmission system in ERCOT, marks a significant milestone in Texas' renewable energy landscape. With its advanced technology utilizing bifacial photovoltaic modules on a single-axis tracking system, the project not only delivers renewable energy but also contributes to grid stability and mitigates price volatility in the ERCOT market.
Source: vesperenergy.com