Azure Power refinances its 600 MWs ISTS connected solar project at the lowest rate of interest in its portfolio to date

Rhea-AI Summary

Azure Power (NYSE: AZRE) announced successful refinancing of its INR 23.50 billion (approx. USD 313 million) project finance facility for its 600 MWs ISTS-connected solar project, fully commissioned in December 2021. The refinancing, with a fixed interest rate of 7.2% for 42 months, is the lowest rate for any project finance facility in its portfolio. CFO Pawan Kumar Agrawal highlighted substantial savings in interest costs and improved project IRR. This project, located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, is India's largest solar power project owned by a single developer.

Positive

• Successful refinancing of INR 23.50 billion (USD 313 million) at a low interest rate of 7.2%.
• Substantial savings in interest costs expected from the refinancing.
• Refinancing improves project internal rate of return (IRR).
• Project is the largest solar energy project in India by a single developer.

Negative

• None.

NEW DELHI, Feb. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Azure Power (NYSE: AZRE), a leading independent sustainable energy solutions provider and power producer in India, today announced successful refinancing of its existing project finance facility of INR 23.50 billion (~USD 313 million) utilized towards construction of its largest project – 600 MWs Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) connected solar project implemented by Azure Power Forty Three Pvt Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The project was fully commissioned recently in December 2021. The refinancing has been completed at a rate of interest of 7.2% per annum, which is fixed for 42 months and the lowest rate of interest for any project finance facility in terms of rupee financing for the company's existing portfolio so far.

"Refinancing the original term loan was one of our highest priorities, even before the project was fully commissioned in December 2021. The facility will result in substantial savings in interest cost and will improve the project IRR significantly. We are overwhelmed with the response we get from the credit markets which basically reflects lenders' confidence in our strong corporate governance standards, operational capabilities, and credit fundamentals," said Pawan Kumar Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer, Azure Power.

L&T Finance Limited has acted as the sole underwriter for this refinancing facility.

About the Project

This is the largest solar power project in India, owned and operated at a single location by any developer. The project is 600 MWs (897 MWp) Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) connected solar project in Bikaner, Rajasthan, allocated by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The power generated from the project is being supplied to SECI at a tariff of INR 2.53 (~US 3.5 cents) per kWh under the Power Purchase Agreement executed with SECI for 25 years. The project was commissioned in multiple phases, with the last 100 MWs commissioned in December 2021.

About Azure Power

Azure Power is a leading independent sustainable energy solutions provider, and power producer in India on a mission to create value for all stakeholders through high-performance Renewable Energy assets to displace 230 million tons of global emissions by 2030.

We developed India's first utility scale solar project in 2009 and since then, Azure Power has grown rapidly to become a leader in developing and operating renewable energy projects in the country. We have substantially reduced our total project cost, which includes a significant reduction in balance of systems costs due in part to our value engineering, design, and procurement efforts.

For more information about us, visit: www.azurepower.com

Investor Contact
ir@azurepower.com

Media Contact 
pr@azurepower.com

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SOURCE Azure Power

FAQ

What is Azure Power's recent refinancing announcement regarding AZRE?

Azure Power announced the successful refinancing of its INR 23.50 billion project finance facility for its 600 MW solar project, achieving a low interest rate of 7.2%.

How much was Azure Power's project finance facility refinanced for?

The project finance facility was refinanced for INR 23.50 billion, which is approximately USD 313 million.

What is the significance of the refinancing interest rate for Azure Power?

The refinancing interest rate of 7.2% is the lowest for any project finance facility in Azure Power's existing portfolio.

When was Azure Power's solar project fully commissioned?

The solar project was fully commissioned in December 2021.

Where is Azure Power's 600 MW solar project located?

The 600 MW solar project is located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India.