Blackrock NTR Renewable Fund – a joint venture between US fund manager Blackrock and Irish utility firm NTR has purchased wIndfarm projects in Tipperary and Cork from Element Power.
The 36MW Monaincha windfarm project in Tipperary was unveiled last year by Element Power, and was likely to cost €70m to develop. The windfarm project in Cork is a 9.2MW scheme at Garranereagh and is likely to cost about €18m to develop.
This will be the second deal by the $400m fund, which is headed by former NTR boss Jim Barry.
Element Power will build and operate the two projects for Blackrock. Ireland-based Element Power is owned by US private equity firm Hudson Clean Energy Partners. Element Power announced the planned development of the Monaincha windfarm last August.
“We are pleased to have invested in the Irish wind energy sector, and in particular the Garranereagh and Monaincha wind projects represent an exciting investment opportunity for Blackrock’s clients,” said Mr Barry. Element, headed by Tim Cowhig, is planning to spend as much as €8bn developing up to 40 windfarms in the midlands, with the power generated by them being exported to the UK market. The Independent.
