New York based alternative asset manager Apollo Global Management is investing $175 million in US based owner and operator of community solar assets, Summit Ridge Energy through funds managed by its affiliates.
Summit Ridge counts its overall portfolio of solar projects under operation or under construction as adding up to exceed 300 MW, and has 2 joint ventures (JV) worth over $1 billion in permanent project capital. It now aims to grow its solar portfolio to more than 500 MW and 100 MWh of battery energy storage, with the help of Apollo funds.
This capacity by the end of 2023 will cater to some 175,000 residential and commercial customers, according to Summit Ridge.
With some $513 billion of assets under management, including more than $19 billion invested over the last 5 years into energy transition and sustainability related projects, Apollo sees this investment in Summit Ridge as aligned with its strategy to support companies facilitating clean energy transition.
"With this investment, we see tremendous opportunity to access a high-growth segment of the renewables market while also producing positive environmental and social outcomes for local stakeholders," said Apollo Partner Wilson Handler.
Apollo Funds gets 2 places on Summit Ridge's board which will continue to be led by the company's CEO Steve Raeder as its chairman.
In February 2022, Apollo launched a multi-asset sustainable investing platform to finance and invest in energy transition and decarbonization of the industry with a target to invest $50 billion in clean energy and climate capital by 2025 (see $50 Billion For Clean Energy By 2025).