Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has closed the 100% acquisition of WPD Offshore and has relaunched it as Skyborn Renewables.
In May, GIP announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the business and the transaction closed on 15 September 2022.
The assets of Skyborn include interests in five operating and under-construction projects in Germany, France and Taiwan and a pipeline of over 30GW of “highly diversified” offshore wind projects in various stages of development.
The company has over 20 years of development experience, a track record of 7GW developed to date, and a presence in 15 European and Asia-Pacific markets.
Skyborn CEO Achim Berge Olsen said: “Skyborn Renewables will combine the team’s experience with GIP’s financial strength and track record of investing in renewables assets to the deployment of offshore wind energy for the benefit of future generations.
“Our mission is to address the global challenges of the climate crisis and energy security.”
In addition to Berge Olsen, the newly appointed management team includes João Metelo, the Chief Investment & Financial Officer (CIFO), Morten Melin, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO), who will join the team in March 2023, and Thomas Karst, Co-Chief Operating Officer (COO).
It also includes Lars Muck, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Cathrin Browne, General Counsel (GC), who will join the team in November 2022.
To support the team and strengthen its operating capabilities, Skyborn Renewables will open an office in Hamburg.
“GIP identified offshore wind as an important component of the transition to clean, renewable power. The investment in Skyborn is a significant milestone and demonstrates GIP’s commitment to the continued growth of global renewable power generation,” said Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP.