EBRD invests $ 60m in Egypt’s Infinity Energy

17 / 01 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar - -

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing $ 60 million to become a shareholder in Infinity Energy S.A.E., one of Egypt’s leading private energy companies through the issuance of new shares.

The funds will go towards developing the company’s pipeline of renewable energy and electricity distribution projects as well as electric vehicles charging stations.

This investment comes in parallel to the signature of a joint venture agreement between Infinity Energy and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC “Masdar” under which Masdar will invest in Infinity Energy’s portfolio of renewable assets, and partner with Infinity in upcoming renewable energy projects in Egypt and Africa.

The investment will contribute to Egypt’s ongoing energy transition by supporting the growth of renewable energy.

Energy Generation in Egypt:

The Egyptian government has declared a target for 20 percent of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2022 and 42 percent by 2035.

In Egypt, the price of electricity produced by renewable projects has been steadily decreasing across the past several years to become more competitive than conventional fossil fuel sources.

This has created strong demand in Egypt from commercial and industrial heavy electricity consumers to have access to electricity from private renewable energy producers.

The Egyptian government has pursued energy diversification and liberalization by facilitating a market for private renewable energy development in recent years. However, access to equity financing remains key to the development of renewable energy in the country.

Cooperation with Infinity Company:

Harry Boyd Carpenter, EBRD Director for Energy EMEA, said: “We have had the privilege of working with the Infinity team since we lent to their Benban projects in 2017. We are very proud to take that partnership to the next level by becoming a shareholder in Infinity Solar Energy S.A.E. to further develop the renewable energy sector in Egypt. We are excited to support the company in its ambitious plans and its transition into an integrated energy solution provider.”

“Egypt’s energy sector liberalization and the embrace of its renewable resources are creating incredible opportunities and Infinity is ideally placed to exploit these. We are also very pleased that through this investment we will further deepen our longstanding partnership with Masdar.”

Hassan El Khatib, EBRD Managing Director for Equity, said: “We believe the broader energy transition, both in Egypt and regionally, a very interesting investment thesis and are very excited to partner with Infinity’s team to invest in further renewable capacity and build an integrated energy solution provider.”

Mohamed Mansour, Infinity Energy Chairman and Managing Director, said: “With every joint venture comes new possibilities and opportunities, today’s signing with EBRD comes both without exception. The entire Infinity company and myself are looking forward to this new venture which holds great opportunities as added value to both parties. We have, and remain, committed to seeing the unfolding of new and exciting undertakings within the region.”