SSE sells stake in energy-from-waste projects for £995m
13 October 2020, 09:24
The energy giant is aiming to raise at least £2 billion by autumn 2021.
Energy giant SSE has agreed a near-£1 billion deal to sell its stake in three energy-from-waste facilities under plans to raise at least £2 billion by next autumn.
Shares in the group rose 4% as it announced the sale of its 50% holding in the West Yorkshire multifuel sites for £995 million.
SSE was part of a joint venture on two sites in Ferrybridge and one in Skelton Grange.
The sale – to an infrastructure fund managed by First Sentier Investors – comes as part of an aim to raise at least £2 billion by selling off unwanted assets.
SSE will continue to focus on its wind farm operations.
Finance chief Gregor Alexander said: “This sale marks a major step in our plans to secure at least £2 billion from disposals by autumn 2021, with just over £1.4 billion now delivered.
“While these multifuel assets have been successful ventures for SSE, they are non-core investments and we are pleased to have agreed a sale that delivers significant value for shareholders while sharpening our strategic focus on our core low-carbon businesses.”
The latest sale follows that of SSE’s stake in Walney Offshore Wind Farm to Greencoat UK energy for £350 million, and an agreement to sell its 33% interest in meter asset provider MapleCo for around £90 million in net proceeds.
Mark Nelson, an analyst at Killik & Co, said: “The divestments will help to strengthen the balance sheet and support the company’s plans to invest £7.5 billion in low-carbon energy infrastructure over the next five years.”
He added the latest sale will boost SSE’s increased focus on electricity networks and renewable energy, in particular UK offshore wind.
