Our team has supported the delivery of, or investment in wind, solar and hydro projects throughout the UK. Our technical advisory support is tailored to the needs of the funder, whether they require specific issues to be addressed or whether a comprehensive technical review of projects is called for.
We have supported the sale, acquisition, finance or re-finance of over 150 renewables energy projects in the last five years, on behalf of over 10 leading lenders and more than 20 private investment companies.
In a competitive acquisition and re-finance market, Green Cat Renewables recognise the need for technical advice focused on the key risks, provided in a timely manner, from an advisor prepared to be flexible on scope requirements.
Green Cat Renewables tailor the scope of our advice to the requirements of the funder, ensuring that they get the correct guidance at an affordable cost without skimping on the quality of our analysis or recommendations.
Our dedicated Due Diligence Team bring together a wide range of experience of planning, environmental assessment, resource assessment across wind, solar, hydro and hybrid sites including storage, construction management, site inspection work, and operational monitoring. The team can also draw upon the expertise of Green Cat’s geotechnical and electrical specialists.
A multi-disciplinary team provides benefits in being able to maintain flexibility of service, rather than be wedded to a one-size-fits-all approach, which is particularly important in the funding of smaller commercial projects. Meanwhile, the breadth of experience among the team allows us to provide detailed and expert advice on specialist topics.
Scope items typically include: Planning; Noise; Energy Yield; Technology Supply Contracts; O&M Contracts; Balance of Plant Contracts; Site Conditions; Grid Connection; Ofgem Accreditation; Site Visits and Inspections. Our role is completely tailored and depending on the requirements of the funder and/or developer, we can carry out technical due diligence on a specific issue or a comprehensive review of the whole project.
The Hill of Glaschyle Wind Farm is located 2km east of Dunphail and 10km to the south of Forres. Green Cat Renewables was engaged to act as the Technical Advisor to the funder, Close Leasing Ltd, to enable construction project finance.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
require the production of a Report which considers the following:
PLANNING
Planning consent review, noting outstanding conditions, conditions with long-term impact, and ensuring project documents comply.
WIND YIELD ANALYSIS
Review of Wind Resource Report, wind protection zone proposals, suitability of selected turbine model, and potential impact of existing or proposed wind farm developments.
TURBINE SUPPLIER
Overview of turbine supplier and a review of the Turbine Supply Agreement, and of the Maintenance and Service Agreement.
GROUND CONDITIONS
Review of potential for impact on turbine foundations and civil enabling works.
TRANSPORTATION
Review of access issues, required permits, route selection, site access and required highway works.
GRID CONNECTION
Offer and Agreement noting characteristics of connection, timescale, scope and requirements.
CIVIL & ELECTRICAL WORKS
Review of Balance of Plant Contracts noting contractors, type of contract, scope, timescales, warranties, and designs.
GENERAL
Review of the Quality Assurance and Health and Safety of a project.
PROGRAMME
Review of Works Schedules and Interfaces between documents.
FINANCE
Technical review of costing information including contingency.
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
require the performance and reporting of site visits to confirm the following key stages have been suitably achieved: Setting-Out, Foundation Construction, Access Construction, Turbine Erection, and Commissioning.
Our technical advisors have a range of experience that allows Green Cat Renewables to focus pre-construction advice on those technical areas most likely to cause significant issues in funding. Whether it be noise related planning conditions that require detailed scrutiny, or challenging ground conditions likely to stretch civil engineering budgets, or complex grid connection arrangements with the potential to delay the project, Green Cat Renewables will focus our assessments on those technical areas most in need of attention.
By allowing our experienced staff to visit site, potential practical issues, such as the intended location of site components, are more easily reported before they have the potential to become significant.
Our package of support is tailored to the funder’s requirements so that a high quality of technical advice is delivered.
As projects are bought and sold, or refinanced, funders expect their advisor to provide a detailed review that gives comfort in the level of financial risk being taken on while, at the same time, being advised in a timely and cost effective manner.
Green Cat Renewables’ technical capability and experience in managing operational projects means that we have the tools and systems in place to analyse real operational data in a timely fashion, and have the understanding of built projects to inform our views on issues that projects are likely to encounter.
During the course of an acquisition or refinance, a number of different kinds of technical question can arise. To ensure that Green Cat Renewables can assist at all stages of the funding lifecycle, our dedicated Due Diligence Team can provide technical reviews on all subjects related to wind, solar and hydro projects, whether it be wind turbine contract reviews, appraisal of hydro planning conditions or assessment of expected solar farm performance for comparison with EPC contract provisions. By addressing these issues, the funder can be sure of obtaining a third party view of the project and a flagging of any issues that should be addressed through the process.
In addition, Green Cat Renewables has the in-house capability to carry out wind turbine snagging inspections, solar farm walkovers and the full suite of on-site construction supervision services, giving funders an independent view on the installation or construction progress.
