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BlackRock Real Assets Acquires Remaining Interest in Distributed Solar Development

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BlackRock Real Assets has acquired the remaining 20% stake in Distributed Solar Development (DSD) from GE Renewable Energy, resulting in full ownership of DSD. This acquisition strengthens BlackRock's presence in the commercial and industrial solar sector in the U.S. and allows for increased investment in renewable energy projects. The Global Renewable Power II Fund, through which the acquisition was made, now fully commits to 16 investments across over 150 projects globally. BlackRock's renewable power platform includes over $6.5 billion invested in solar and wind projects worldwide.

Positive
  • Full ownership of DSD enhances BlackRock's market position in the renewable energy sector.
  • Increased investment potential for DSD to deploy over 200 megawatts of renewable energy annually starting 2021.
  • The investment supports BlackRock's objective to provide long-term revenue streams in a growing market.
Negative
  • None.

NEW YORK--()--BlackRock Real Assets (“BlackRock”) today announced that it has completed the acquisition from GE Renewable Energy of the remaining 20 percent stake in Distributed Solar Development (“DSD”), a leading commercial and industrial (“C&I”) solar developer and operator in the United States. BlackRock Real Assets now owns 100 percent of DSD, expanding the platform’s footprint and investment pipeline in the fastest-growing renewables sector in the country.

The investment, made through BlackRock’s Global Renewable Power II Fund (“GRP II”), follows an initial investment in July 2019 in which the fund took an 80 percent stake in DSD. It allows for BlackRock to fund greater near-term growth in the platform, which starting in 2021 is expected to consistently deploy over 200 megawatts of renewable energy annually. Launched as a start-up within GE, DSD seeks to make solar more accessible to commercial, industrial and municipal organizations by providing a “one-stop shop” for large-scale, custom solar PV and energy storage solutions.

Martin Torres, Head of the Americas for the Renewable Power Group at BlackRock, said, “We are pleased to acquire the remaining interest in DSD and thank GE for their partnership on this venture. We look forward to continuing to work with the DSD management team to build on the company’s end-to-end capabilities and position as a leading C&I operator in the U.S., and deliver for our clients exposure to long-term, contracted revenues in a rapidly growing market aligned with the global energy transition.”

Erik Schiemann, CEO of DSD, said, “BlackRock has been a tremendous partner for the last 15 months and we are encouraged by their continued collaboration, confidence and investment in DSD. We are looking forward to the exciting times ahead of us over the coming years. We are also incredibly appreciative of GE’s support since our start in 2012 and hope to have future opportunities for collaboration.”

With this investment, GRP II, a $1.65 billion fund, is now fully committed to 16 investments across more than 150 wind and solar projects in North America, Europe and Asia. BlackRock Real Assets continues to invest in diversified, long-term renewable power infrastructure assets through its third-vintage Global Renewable Power III Fund (“GRP III”).

BlackRock Real Assets operates one of the largest renewable power equity investment platforms in the world with $6.5 billion in capital raised, invested in over 250 wind and solar projects across the globe, that produces enough clean energy to power a country the size of Spain.

About BlackRock

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, our clients turn to us for the solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of September 30, 2020, the firm managed approximately $7.81 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide.

About BlackRock Real Assets

In today’s dynamic and complex global investing market, we seek to help our clients’ access real assets that could help meet their investment goals by providing a distinct range of well defined, outcome orientated strategies, along the investment risk-return spectrum.

Our dedicated teams of industry and sector specialists deliver global reach, with deep local expertise. They have decades of relevant experience, are deeply embedded in their operating industries by sector and geography and have developed strong partnership networks over time. BlackRock’s culture of risk management, knowledge sharing and investment discipline sets us apart and underpins all that we do. With over 390 professionals in 30 offices managing over US$58 billion in client commitments as of 30 June 2020, BlackRock Real Assets partners with clients to provide solutions tailored to individual portfolio needs such as income, growth, liquid or balanced real assets outcomes.

About Distributed Solar Development

Distributed Solar Development (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing, project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD creates significant value for our commercial, industrial and municipal customers and partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners like BlackRock Real Assets and rooted in our founding at GE with a 120+ year legacy of innovation, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity, rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own and maintain. To learn more, visit dsdrenewables.com.

Disclaimer

This presentation is strictly confidential and may not be reproduced for, disclosed to or otherwise provided in any format to any other person or entity (other than the recipient) without the prior written consent of BlackRock, Inc. or its applicable advisory subsidiaries (collectively, “BlackRock”). This material has not been approved by the SEC, FINRA or any other regulatory authority or securities. This presentation is for informational purposes only and not to be relied upon as investment, legal, tax, or financial advice. The Reader must consult with his or her independent professional advisors as to the legal, tax, financial or other matters relevant to the suitability of any investment.

Certain information contained in this presentation constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “target,” “believe,” the negatives thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Such information may include, among other things, projections, forecasts, and proposed or expected portfolio composition. No representation is made that every assumption made in achieving, calculating or presenting the forward-looking information has been considered or stated in preparing this material. Any changes to assumptions that may have been made in preparing this material could have a material impact on the projections that are presented herein.

Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.

Securities offered in the US through BlackRock Investments, LLC.

Important Information

This press release is for distribution in the United States only and should not be distributed in any other markets or to any other persons.

Contacts

BlackRock
Christopher Beattie
646-231-8518
christopher.beattie@blackrock.com

Distributed Solar Development
Meghan Gainer
518-369-3692
meghan.gainer@dsdrenewables.com

FAQ

What did BlackRock acquire from GE Renewable Energy regarding Distributed Solar Development?

BlackRock acquired the remaining 20% stake in Distributed Solar Development, achieving full ownership.

How does the acquisition of DSD impact BlackRock's investments?

The acquisition allows BlackRock to significantly expand its investment pipeline in the renewable energy sector.

When is DSD expected to deploy renewable energy after the acquisition?

Starting in 2021, DSD is expected to consistently deploy over 200 megawatts of renewable energy annually.

What is the size of BlackRock's Global Renewable Power II Fund?

The Global Renewable Power II Fund is a $1.65 billion fund.

How much capital has BlackRock raised for renewable power projects?

BlackRock Real Assets has raised $6.5 billion for renewable power projects worldwide.

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