• Research Tree
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Events
  • Reg.News
  • Short Interest
  • Explore Content
    • Explore

      • Providers
        • Providers

          • Free/Commissioned
          • High Net Worth Offering
          • Institutional Offering

          Free/Commissioned

          Research that is free to access for all investors. Companies commission these providers to write research about them.

          View Research

          What is our Main Bundle Offering?

          Brokers who write research on their corporate clients and make it available through our main bundle offering.

          View Research

          What is Institutional?

          Research that is paid for directly by asset managers. Only accessible to institutional investors permissioned for access.

          View Research
      • Regions
        • Regions

          • UK
          • Rest of EMEA
          • N America
          • APAC
          • LatAm
      • Exchanges
        • Exchanges

          • Aquis Apex
          • Australian Securities Exchange
          • Canadian Securities Exchange
          • Euronext Paris
          • London Stock Exchange (domestic)
          • SIX Swiss Exchange
      • Sectors
        • Sector Coverage

          • Building & Construction
          • Discretionary Personal Goods
          • Discretionary Retail
          • Energy
          • Health
          • Investment Trusts
          • Media
          • Resources
          • Technology
      • Small / Large Cap
        • Small / Large Cap

          • UK100
          • UK250
          • UK Smallcap
          • UK Other Main Markets
          • Other
  • Login
  • Sign Up
LIVE

Event in Progress:

Join Here ×

working
  • 18 Jul 2019

UK Renewable Energy Infrastructure Funds – For all the fans


Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited GBP Red.Shs (TRIG:LON), 74.8 | Greencoat UK Wind Plc (UKW:LON), 103 | NextEnergy Solar Fund Ltd (NESF:LON), 48.1 | Foresight Solar Fund Limited GBP (FSFL:LON), 69.8 | Aquila European Renewables PLC Registered (AERS:LON), 13.7 | Greencoat Renewables Plc (GRP:LON), 75.3 | SDCL Efficiency Income Trust PLC (SEIT:LON), 45.1 | US Solar Fund Plc (USFP:LON), 26.9 | Gore Street Energy Storage Fund PLC (GSF:LON), 0

  • Hardman & Co
    • Nigel Hawkins

    • 38 pages


 

Over the past two decades, onshore wind power has prospered and now exceeds 12 GW in the UK. The termination of subsidies for new plants from 2017 onwards has cut investment. Instead, offshore wind power is the new ‘goto’ investment sector, as there has been a sea-change in costs. The key event was the 2017 auction for the development of the Hornsea Project Two and the Moray East fields, when 15-year contract for differences (CfDs) were awarded, at just £57.50p per MWh; this compares with the 2018 £100 per MWh target that had been set previously by the Government. In recent years, solar power has come of age. Total UK solar capacity now exceeds 12 GW. Inevitably, most solar farms are based in the Midlands or in the South, where irradiation levels exceed the UK average. A typical solar farm portfolio might include 50 sites with 8 MW of capacity per site. Despite the removal of subsidies for new solar plants, the prospects remain bright for new build, since costs have fallen appreciably in recent years. The levelised cost (LCOE) of solar power should fall below £70 per MWh. The UK’s first subsidy-free solar farm has been commissioned at Clay Hill in Milton Keynes. For many investors, REIFs offer an attractive means of securing exposure to the benefits of rising UK investment in these sectors, much of which is backed by long-term contracts delivering generally solid and secure returns. Our sector research focuses on 11 quoted REIFs, which mirror those selected by members of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). The recently floated Aquila European Renewables fund is included, despite its declared policy not to invest in UK generation. Since May 2014, REIF returns have been solid, with total returns approaching 10% per year. As a group, their combined market capitalisation is ca.£7bn; the most valuable quoted funds are Greencoat UK Wind (£2.1bn) and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (£1.8bn). The sector premia over net asset valuations (NAVs) for most REIFs now lie in the 9%-19% range. The premium for Greencoat UK Wind, following its £375m gross fundraise, is ca.14%; The Renewables Infrastructure Group premium is similar. Targeted real dividend increases underpin the attractions, in particular, of wind and solar investments; major earnings shortfalls are low-risk, with little likelihood of a dividend cut. Prospective dividend yields for most REIFs currently lie in the range of 5.0%-6.0%. In terms of risk, future movements of interest rates could have a material impact on NAVs and, consequently, upon share price ratings. The precise effect will depend on the degree to which the discount rates moves relative to the riskfree rate. Regulatory amendments, subsidy changes and possible tax adjustments are also key risk factors with one company commenting that movements in long term power price forecasts are the most significant risk.

Sign up for free to access

Get access to the latest equity research in real-time from 12 commissioned providers.

Get access to the latest equity research in real-time from 12 commissioned providers.


Get Started
Already a member? Log in here

UK Renewable Energy Infrastructure Funds – For all the fans


Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited GBP Red.Shs (TRIG:LON), 74.8 | Greencoat UK Wind Plc (UKW:LON), 103 | NextEnergy Solar Fund Ltd (NESF:LON), 48.1 | Foresight Solar Fund Limited GBP (FSFL:LON), 69.8 | Aquila European Renewables PLC Registered (AERS:LON), 13.7 | Greencoat Renewables Plc (GRP:LON), 75.3 | SDCL Efficiency Income Trust PLC (SEIT:LON), 45.1 | US Solar Fund Plc (USFP:LON), 26.9 | Gore Street Energy Storage Fund PLC (GSF:LON), 0

  • Published: 18 Jul 2019
  • Author: Nigel Hawkins
  • Pages: 38
  • Hardman & Co


Over the past two decades, onshore wind power has prospered and now exceeds 12 GW in the UK. The termination of subsidies for new plants from 2017 onwards has cut investment. Instead, offshore wind power is the new ‘goto’ investment sector, as there has been a sea-change in costs. The key event was the 2017 auction for the development of the Hornsea Project Two and the Moray East fields, when 15-year contract for differences (CfDs) were awarded, at just £57.50p per MWh; this compares with the 2018 £100 per MWh target that had been set previously by the Government. In recent years, solar power has come of age. Total UK solar capacity now exceeds 12 GW. Inevitably, most solar farms are based in the Midlands or in the South, where irradiation levels exceed the UK average. A typical solar farm portfolio might include 50 sites with 8 MW of capacity per site. Despite the removal of subsidies for new solar plants, the prospects remain bright for new build, since costs have fallen appreciably in recent years. The levelised cost (LCOE) of solar power should fall below £70 per MWh. The UK’s first subsidy-free solar farm has been commissioned at Clay Hill in Milton Keynes. For many investors, REIFs offer an attractive means of securing exposure to the benefits of rising UK investment in these sectors, much of which is backed by long-term contracts delivering generally solid and secure returns. Our sector research focuses on 11 quoted REIFs, which mirror those selected by members of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). The recently floated Aquila European Renewables fund is included, despite its declared policy not to invest in UK generation. Since May 2014, REIF returns have been solid, with total returns approaching 10% per year. As a group, their combined market capitalisation is ca.£7bn; the most valuable quoted funds are Greencoat UK Wind (£2.1bn) and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (£1.8bn). The sector premia over net asset valuations (NAVs) for most REIFs now lie in the 9%-19% range. The premium for Greencoat UK Wind, following its £375m gross fundraise, is ca.14%; The Renewables Infrastructure Group premium is similar. Targeted real dividend increases underpin the attractions, in particular, of wind and solar investments; major earnings shortfalls are low-risk, with little likelihood of a dividend cut. Prospective dividend yields for most REIFs currently lie in the range of 5.0%-6.0%. In terms of risk, future movements of interest rates could have a material impact on NAVs and, consequently, upon share price ratings. The precise effect will depend on the degree to which the discount rates moves relative to the riskfree rate. Regulatory amendments, subsidy changes and possible tax adjustments are also key risk factors with one company commenting that movements in long term power price forecasts are the most significant risk.

More Content

More Content

Monthly roundup: space drives Scottish Mortgage & Seraphim issuance, and new policies hit Greencoat

Companies: SSITBRLASJGUKWSMTVEIL

Kepler | Trust Intelligence

Data Centre Energy - Powerful Thinking

Companies: WEB CPH2 AMP DRX PHE STAR NESF IES AMP

Longspur Clean Energy

The Renewables Infrastructure Group - £400m of proceeds targeted over next 12 mo

Companies: Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited GBP Red.Shs

Cavendish

NextEnergy Solar Fund - CPS Removal Impact Minimal

Companies: NextEnergy Solar Fund Ltd

Longspur Clean Energy

Greencoat Renewables - 1Q NAV +0.5%; Power prices offset generation underperform

Companies: Greencoat Renewables Plc

Cavendish
Research Tree
Useful Links
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • RNS/Newswires Feeds
  • Providers Hub
  • Company Hub
  • Stock Pick League
  • iOS and Android Apps
Account
  • Login
  • Join Now
  • Contact
  • Follow us on Linkedin
  • Follow us on X

© Research Tree 2026

  • Apple Store
  • Play Store
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy and Statement on Cookies

Research Tree will never share your details with third parties for marketing purposes. Research Tree distributes research documents that have been produced and approved by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Authorised & Regulated firms as well as relevant content from non-authorised sources, who are not regulated but the information is in the public domain. For the avoidance of doubt Research Tree is not giving advice, nor has Research Tree validated any of the information.

Research Tree is an Appointed Representative of Sturgeon Ventures which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Top
  • Home
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Event Hub
  • Reg.News
  • Short Interest Tracker
  • Explore Content
    • Regions
      • UK
      • Rest of EMEA
      • N America
      • APAC
      • LatAm
    • Exchanges
      • Aquis Apex
      • Australian Securities Exchange
      • Canadian Securities Exchange
      • Euronext Paris
      • London Stock Exchange (domestic)
      • SIX Swiss Exchange
    • Sectors
      • Automobile Industry
      • Banks
      • Building & Construction
      • Chemicals
      • Discretionary Personal Goods
      • Discretionary Retail
      • Energy
      • ETFs
      • Financial Services
      • Food & Drink
      • Food Production
      • Health
      • Household Goods & DIY
      • Industrial Equipment, Goods & Services
      • Insurance & Reinsurance
      • Investment Trusts
      • Leisure, Tourism & Travel
      • Media
      • Open-ended Funds
      • Other
      • Real Estate
      • Resources
      • Staple Retail
      • Technology
      • Telecoms
      • Trusts, ETFs & Funds
      • Utilities
    • Small / Large Cap
      • UK100
      • UK250
      • UK Smallcap
      • UK Other Main Markets
      • Other
    • Private/EIS
      • EIS Single Company
      • EIS/SEIS Funds
      • IHT Products
      • SEIS Single Company
      • VCT Funds
  • Providers
    • Free/Commissioned
      • Actinver
      • Actio Advisors
      • Allenby Capital
      • Alternative Resource Capital
      • Asset TV
      • Astris Advisory
      • Atrium Research
      • Baden Hill
      • BlytheRay
      • BNP Paribas Exane - Sponsored Research
      • Bondcritic
      • Bowsprit Partners Limited
      • Brand Communications
      • Brokerlink
      • BRR Media
      • Calvine Partners
      • Capital Access Group
      • Capital Link
      • Capital Markets Brokers
      • Cavendish
      • Checkpoint Partners
      • Clear Capital Markets
      • Couloir Capital
      • Doceo
      • Edison
      • EM Spreads
      • Engage Investor
      • Equity Development
      • eResearch
      • First Equity
      • Five Minute Pitch TV
      • focusIR
      • Fundamental Research Corp
      • Galliano’s Latin Notes
      • GBC AG
      • goetzpartners securities Limited
      • Golden Section Capital
      • GreenSome Finance
      • GSBR Research
      • H2 Radnor
      • Hardman & Co
      • Holland Advisors
      • Hypothesis Research
      • InterAxS Global
      • Kepler | Trust Intelligence
      • London Stock Exchange
      • Longspur Clean Energy
      • Mello Events
      • Messari Research
      • Morphose Capital Partners
      • MUFG Corporate Markets IR
      • Nippon Investment Bespoke Research UK
      • NuWays
      • OAK Securities
      • Oberon Capital
      • Optimo Capital
      • Panmure Liberum
      • Paul Scott
      • Peel Hunt
      • PIWORLD / Progressive
      • Proactive
      • Progressive Equity Research
      • Quantum Research Group
      • QuotedData
      • RaaS Research Group
      • RBC Capital Markets
      • Research Dynamics
      • Research Tree
      • Resolve Research
      • SEAL Advisors Ltd
      • ShareSoc
      • Shore Capital
      • Sidoti & Company
      • Small Cap Consumer Research LLC
      • StockBox
      • Tennyson Securities
      • The AIC
      • The Business Magazine Group
      • The Curious Compounder
      • The Edge Group
      • The Investor Summit
      • The Life Sciences Division
      • ThinkFront
      • Ticker TV
      • Tring Triangle
      • Trinity Delta
      • Turner Pope Investments
      • UK Investor Group
      • ValueTrack
      • Venn Brown
      • Vox Markets
      • VRS International S.A. - Valuation & Research Specialists (VRS)
      • VSA Capital
      • Winterflood Securities
      • World Platinum Investment Council
      • Yaru Investments
      • Yellowstone Advisory
      • Zacks Small Cap Research
      • Zeus Capital
    • High Net Worth Offering
      • Fox Davies Capital
      • ABG Sundal Collier
      • ACF Equity Research
      • Acquisdata
      • AlphaValue
      • Arctic Securities
      • Arden Partners
      • Auctus Advisors
      • Baptista Research
      • BNP Paribas Exane - Sponsored Research
      • Canaccord Genuity
      • Cavendish
      • Couloir Capital
      • Degroof Petercam
      • Dowgate Capital
      • First Berlin
      • First Equity
      • First Sentinel
      • Greenwood Capital Partners
      • Hannam & Partners
      • Hybridan
      • Kemeny Capital
      • Longspur Clean Energy
      • Louis Capital
      • Magnitogorsk Iron and steel works
      • Medley Global Advisors
      • Northland Capital Partners
      • OAK Securities
      • Oberon Capital
      • Panmure Liberum
      • QuotedData Professional
      • Shard Capital
      • ShareSoc
      • Shore Capital
      • Singer Capital Markets
      • SP Angel
      • Stanford Capital Partners
      • Stifel FirstEnergy
      • Stockdale Securities
      • Tamesis Partners
      • Tennyson Securities
      • The Life Sciences Division
      • Turner Pope Investments
      • VSA Capital
      • Whitman Howard
      • xxxxxx_deleted
      • Yellowstone Advisory
      • Zeus Capital
    • Institutional Offering
      • Fox Davies Capital
      • ABG Sundal Collier
      • ACF Equity Research
      • Alternative Resource Capital
      • Arctic Securities
      • Arden Partners
      • Auctus Advisors
      • BNP Paribas Exane
      • Bondcritic
      • Canaccord Genuity
      • Capital Access Group
      • Capital Link
      • Cavendish
      • Couloir Capital
      • Degroof Petercam
      • Dowgate Capital
      • Edison
      • First Berlin
      • First Equity
      • First Sentinel
      • Five Minute Pitch TV
      • Fundamental Research Corp
      • Galliano’s Latin Notes
      • GBC AG
      • Golden Section Capital
      • Goodbody
      • Greenwood Capital Partners
      • Hannam & Partners
      • Holland Advisors
      • Hybridan
      • InterAxS Global
      • Investec Bank
      • Kepler | Trust Intelligence
      • Longspur Clean Energy
      • Numis
      • NuWays
      • OAK Securities
      • Oberon Capital
      • Panmure Liberum
      • Peel Hunt
      • QuotedData
      • QuotedData Professional
      • Research Dynamics
      • Research Tree
      • Shard Capital
      • Shore Capital
      • Sidoti & Company
      • Singer Capital Markets
      • Small Cap Consumer Research LLC
      • SP Angel
      • Stanford Capital Partners
      • Stifel
      • StockBox
      • Tamesis Partners
      • Tennyson Securities
      • The AIC
      • The Business Magazine Group
      • The Life Sciences Division
      • Tring Triangle
      • ValueTrack
      • Velocity Trade
      • VSA Capital
      • Winterflood Securities
      • World Platinum Investment Council
      • Zacks Small Cap Research
      • Zeus Capital
  • Contact
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In