DIF Capital Partners (via its DIF Infrastructure VI fund and Dutch Climate Action Fund Equity Vintage 1 fund) has signed an agreement to acquire 60% of Novar, the leading developer of large-scale sustainable energy systems in the Netherlands.
The transaction marks the start of a long-term collaboration to deliver sustainable and innovative renewable energy solutions. As part of the investment, DIF will provide growth capital to among others support the expansion of Novar’s utility-scale solar, rooftop solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) portfolio.
Headquartered in Groningen, Novar owns and operates 440MW of utility-scale solar PV, rooftop solar and BESS projects. It has a development project pipeline of more than 15GW. Novar is a front-runner in integrated energy solutions, currently developing the largest private grid project in the Netherlands, which will provide grid connection for several of its large-scale solar and BESS projects, as well as the first Dutch solar thermal and green hydrogen projects.
The company operates a fully integrated Independent Power Producer model, providing operation & maintenance, technical & commercial asset management and consultancy & flex services to its own portfolio and to third parties.
Gijs Voskuyl, Partner at DIF, said: “The investment in Novar presents an opportunity for DIF to support the Dutch solar energy market leader with a long track record of successfully delivering ground-mounted and rooftop projects. Its existing 440MW contracted portfolio offers a robust investment proposition and with the extensive pipeline in solar and storage projects, we can continue to invest in energy transition investment opportunities going forward. We’re looking forward to working with Novar’s management team to continue to jointly grow the company in the years ahead.”
Gerben Smit, CEO of Novar Holding, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Thanks to this strategic partnership, Novar has the opportunity to continue to expand internationally, shape further growth and achieving our 4GW target of operating capacity by 2030."
DIF was advised by KPMG (financial advisor), McKinsey (commercial advisor), Arup (technical advisor) and NautaDutilh (legal advisor). Novar was advised by Voltiq (financial advisor), Eversheds Sutherland and Hogan Lovells (legal advisors).
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023.
About Novar Holding
Novar Holding, formerly Solarfields, was founded in 2014 and specializes in developing large-scale renewable energy systems. For more information, visit www.novar.nl.
About DIF Capital Partners
DIF Capital Partners is an infrastructure fund manager with ca. EUR 16 billion of assets under management. DIF was founded in 2005 and has a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.
DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in lower-risk mid-sized infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as PPPs and concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector.
With a team of over 225 professionals in 11 offices, DIF offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.
For more information, visit www.dif.eu or follow us on LinkedIn.
