Partners Group, the global private markets manager, has completed an investment into Wind Energy Holdings (“WEH”) on behalf of its clients. The investment is being used to fund the construction of West Huaybong 2 and West Huaybong 3, two co-located 90 MW wind farms in the Korat province of Thailand, which provides one of the best wind resources in the country. These will be the first utility-scale wind farms in Thailand.
Also invested in the project are Chubu Electric Power Company, Ratchaburi Electric Generating Holding and Demco Public Company Limited. The wind farms each benefit from power purchase agreements for small power producers from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, along with an “adder” tariff available for certain wind energy projects during the first 10 years of operation.
West Huaybong 2 and West Huaybong 3 are projected to reach commercial operations in the first quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012, respectively. Investors are expected to benefit from stable cash-flows and significant downside protection due to conservative wind assumptions.
Michael Barben, Partner and Co-Head Private Infrastructure, comments “We are pleased with this investment, which offers long-term cash flow visibility to our clients. Thailand is characterized by a solid regulatory framework, ambitious renewable energy targets and attractive support systems.”
