Pinsent Masons acts on Barclays Infrastructure Fund onshore wind investment

The 22 turbine wind farm in the Scottish Borders was developed and constructed by leading renewable energy company RES.

Pinsent Masons says the deal is the latest evidence of heightened investor interest in operational wind farm infrastructure. 

Ian McCarlie, a Partner and Energy specialist at International law firm Pinsent Masons who led the Pinsent Masons team advising on the deal, says:

"We are delighted to have acted upon this transaction. A number of investors are looking at new markets and assets which have predictable yield.  Infrastructure funds, pension funds and some private equity houses are increasingly likely to focus on operational wind farm infrastructure.  This is positive news for the market in terms of the deployment of new capital.

“However we would note caution over the uncertainty regarding electricity market regulatory reform. The current deployment of capital represents, in part, an appetite to invest before the scheme changes to something less predictable.  We would urge the Government as a matter of urgency to clarify its energy policy, and its support for renewables and onshore wind, so that investors can have long term confidence in the UK market.”

Barclays Infrastructure Funds has raised six funds since 1996 and has some £1.2 billion of funds under management.

RES will continue to manage the day-to-day operation of the wind farm as well as the community benefit fund.