About this image
Installation of the nacelle at Fenpower Limited, Ransonmoor in the Cambridgeshire Fenlands. Initially a 3 turbine development, it was extended by a further 2 turbines taking the total capacity to 10 megawatts. The wind farm generates enough electricity every year to meet the needs of approximately 5,600 homes.

FUND OBJECTIVES

The Ventus group of funds are specialist renewable energy investment funds focused on investing in companies developing and constructing energy projects in the UK. The first Ventus fund, Ventus VCT plc, was raised in 2005. Ventus 2 VCT plc and Ventus 3 VCT plc were raised as twin Venture Capital Trusts in 2006.

Together, the Ventus funds address the funding gap that exists at the small to medium end of the UK energy investment market. Before the Ventus funds many small to medium sized local renewable energy schemes, even those with planning permission, found it hard to attract the finance required to complete their development and deliver returns for project owners and developers.

Given the target project size, most investments are in projects too small to be of interest to large development companies, utilities and larger investment funds. Generally these are projects that have been initiated by small-scale developers, land-owners, community groups or on small industrial sites.

THE VENTUS OFFERING

Focus: Our investment activities are primarily focused on small to medium sized UK renewable energy projects, ensuring that these opportunities get all our attention.

Experience: Our management team is one of the most respected in the UK renewable energy industry, with experience in all aspects of projects, including development, financing, commissioning and ongoing operational management.

Project Delivery: An experienced management team working alongside the owner/developer to negotiate all required contracts and bring the project to fruition.

Speed and Efficiency: For the same reasons and because our focus is on the small to medium sized sector we can complete transactions faster than other investors. In certain situations we can provide early stage funding to place equipment deposits and secure grid connections before the full investment is completed. In a market where the supply of long lead time equipment is critical, this can be a significant advantage.

Ownership sharing: The Ventus Funds do not look to own majority stakes in portfolio companies. This means that project developers can retain significant ownership in the project. This can be particularly advantageous to community projects.

Senior Debt: Access to a panel of banks which have pre-approved contract terms and other borrowing parameters of our future investments, allowing us to rapidly appraise potential investments.

Power Purchase Agreement: We have established relationships with a range of counterparties to be able to arrange the appropriate offtake contract for each project.

Project Delivery: Our experienced management team works alongside the owner/developer to negotiate all the contracts required to bring the project to fruition in a time and cost efficient manner.

Transaction costs: Because of our pre-approved contract structure, standardised framework contract terms and significant in-house expertise, we are able to keep transaction costs to a minimum which is critical for smaller projects.