PRESS

Utility Scale Storage, Solar and Storage, and Small Hydroelectric Projects Will Meet State and Local Goals

Continuing its leadership in developing new renewable energy and battery storage projects that promote economic recovery, today the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Board of Directors approved the Azalea Solar plus Storage project. Azalea is the fourth renewable energy and storage project approved by CPA in the last three months, which will collectively result in $410 million in new investment in Southern California’s clean energy economy.

All four projects will help CPA meet the State of California’s SB 100 renewable energy targets as well as the high renewable energy demand of CPA’s customers. The storage portions of these projects will provide reliable evening peak energy and allow CPA to meet part of its California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) incremental capacity requirements. CPA plans to continue its expansion of clean energy and storage supply with additional projects currently under negotiation through CPA’s 2019 Reliability Request for Offers and 2019 Clean Energy Request for Offers.

“Now more than ever, we need to move swiftly to keep advancing a sustainable future where we successfully transition off dirty fuels,” said Ted Bardacke, Executive Director, Clean Power Alliance. “Planning for the long-term and investing in new clean energy infrastructure can improve the economy right now and reduce climate change for decades to come.”

The Azalea project contracts 60 megawatts (MW) of solar and 38 MW/152 MWh of battery storage capacity from Idemitsu Renewables (formerly Solar Frontier Americas) in Kern County. The project has a 15-year contract and will create approximately 474 construction jobs. It will come online December 2022.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with CPA on this innovative solar + storage solution that brings low cost electricity to their customers during optimal demand periods,” said Cary Vandenberg, Managing Director, Idemitsu Renewables. “We have a strong track record of building and financing projects with CCAs and are proud to add the largest one, CPA, to our growing portfolio of these partners.”

Of the projects approved in May, the High Desert project contracts 100 megawatts (MW) of solar and 50 MW/200 MWh of battery storage capacity from Middle River Power in San Bernardino County. The project has a 15-year contract and will create approximately 200 construction jobs. By utilizing a portion of an existing interconnection capacity, the project can come online more quickly and at a lower cost than a traditional greenfield development.

“Middle River Power is pleased to partner with Clean Power Alliance in their efforts to bring sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy to Southern California,” said Mark Kubow, President, Middle River Power.

Another project contracts a 100 MW/400 MWh Sanborn standalone storage project from Terra-Gen in Kern County. The project comes online in August 2021, under a 15-year contract, and will create approximately 70 construction jobs.

“Terra-Gen is delighted to expand our relationship with CPA supporting their resource objectives with a state-of-the-art battery storage installation,” said Gustavo Luna, Chief Marketing Officer, Terra Gen. “We look forward to continued opportunities in advancing California’s clean power goals with reliable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.”

A final project contracts all of Kaweah River Power Authority’s existing 20.1 MW Kaweah RPS-certified small hydroelectric facility in Tulare County, beginning in June 2020. The project has an approximate output of 36,000 MWh/year and has a 10-year contract.

Clean Power Alliance Approves Summer Batch of Energy Contracts

SAN FRANCISCO — July 1, 2020 — Idemitsu Renewables announced today it has closed tax equity financing for its 50 MWp Central 40 solar project in Stanislaus County, California and its 80MWp Pioneer Solar project in Adams County, Colorado. Both projects are under construction and will begin operating in the fall of 2020.

The tax equity syndicate was arranged by RBC Capital Markets.

“We’re happy to announce this new partnership,” said Cary Vandenberg, Managing Director of Idemitsu Renewables. “It demonstrates the market’s confidence in us and the solar power industry as a whole even in the midst of a global pandemic.”

“Idemitsu Renewables has been a strong partner from the beginning,” said Yonette Chung McLean, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets. “Our syndicate partners appreciated the strengths of the organization and the credit quality of the projects. We are especially pleased to have raised tax equity for both projects given the challenges in the current market and we look forward to the successful completion of Pioneer and Central 40.”

Pioneer will sell power to Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA), a nonprofit electric distribution cooperative based in Sedalia, Colorado, and Central 40 will sell power to Silicon Valley Power, which serves the City of Santa Clara, California.

About Idemitsu Renewables (formerly Solar Frontier Americas)
Idemitsu Renewables, the U.S. based renewable energy subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd, is a leading solar and energy storage developer and independent power producer. The company acquires, develops, owns, and operates utility-scale solar power generation plants and sells clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically. With offices in California and Nevada, Idemitsu Renewables continues to develop its growing pipeline of energy projects. Learn more at https://idemitsurenewables.com/.

Media Relations for Idemitsu Renewables:
Jill Hansen
Tel: +1-925-997-5956
Email: jill@hansenre.com

Foundation piles being driven during construction of Central 40, Idemitsu Renewables’ utility-scale solar project a few hours southeast of San Jose, CA.

SAN FRANCISCO — June 29, 2020 — Idemitsu Renewables, the US-based renewable energy business of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd, announced today it has closed on debt financing for its 50 MWp Central 40 solar project in Stanislaus County, California.

Debt financing was provided by KeyBank National Association. KeyBanc Capital Markets served as sole arranger of the financing.

“This project expands Idemitsu Renewables’ operating business in California,” said Cary Vandenberg, Managing Director of Idemitsu Renewables. “We were happy to build upon our existing relationship with KeyBank and to close a successful transaction even amidst the difficulty of the current COVID environment.”

“As a part of our continuing support for renewable energy, we are pleased to support the growth of Idemitsu Renewables’ solar business in California,” said Andrew Redinger, Manager Director & Group Head, Utilities Power & Renewables at KeyBanc Capital Markets.

The renewable power generated by Central 40 will be sold through a power purchase agreement with Silicon Valley Power, which serves the City of Santa Clara.

About Idemitsu Renewables (formerly Solar Frontier Americas)
Idemitsu Renewables, the U.S. based renewable energy subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd, is a leading solar and storage developer and IPP. The company acquires, develops, owns, and operates utility-scale solar power generation plants; selling the clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically live in healthier environments. With offices in California and Nevada, Idemitsu Renewables continues to develop its growing pipeline of energy projects. Learn more at https://idemitsurenewables.com/.

About KeyCorp
KeyCorp’s (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $141.5 billion at March 31, 2019. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of over 1,100 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit www.key.com. KeyBank is Member of FDIC.

Idemitsu Renewables Media Relations:
Jill Hansen
Tel: +1-925-997-5956
Email: jill@hansenre.com

San Francisco, CA, June 22, 2020 –Solar Frontier Americas (SFA), announced it is changing its name to Idemitsu Renewables. Idemitsu Renewables is the US-based renewable energy business of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. (Idemitsu, pronounced “ee-deh-mee-tsu”), one of the largest energy companies in Japan, following the 2019 merger of Idemitsu and Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.

“The new name underscores Idemitsu Kosan’s commitment to expanding its U.S. renewable energy business by leveraging its significant balance sheet to accelerate growth in the vibrant U.S. solar and storage sectors,” said Cary Vandenberg, Managing Director of Idemitsu Renewables. “Idemitsu’s strong support will hasten the growth of our independent power producer (IPP) and development business and bolster our national expansion through acquisitions of solar and storage projects, co-development partnerships, and greenfield development activities.”

With offices in San Francisco and Reno, Idemitsu Renewables develops, finances, owns and operates utility-scale solar and storage projects. The company first developed and built projects in California and has expanded development on a national scale with emphasis on the western states and PJM markets. Idemitsu Renewables currently manages a multi-gigawatt portfolio in various stages of development.

“Idemitsu Kosan has a 109-year history of success and innovation with strong international expertise. Our vision today is toward a diversified and resilient energy platform that better serves the world. Renewable energy is one of our two strategic areas for growth and we have a 4-gigawatt renewable energy portfolio goal with the majority of this level coming from Idemitsu Renewables.” commented Shunichi Kito, Representative Director and CEO of Idemitsu.

About Idemitsu Renewables (formerly Solar Frontier Americas)
Idemitsu Renewables, the U.S. based renewable energy subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd, is a leading solar and energy storage developer and independent power producer. The company acquires, develops, owns, and operates utility-scale solar power generation plants and sells clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically. With offices in California and Nevada, Idemitsu Renewables continues to develop its growing pipeline of energy projects. Learn more at https://idemitsurenewables.com/.

Idemitsu Renewables Media Contact
Jill Hansen
Jill@hansenRE.com
925-997-5956

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2019 – Solar Frontier Americas (SFA), the US-based renewable energy business of Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd, announced today it has closed on the tax equity commitment and debt financing for its 210 MWp Mustang Two solar project in Kings County, California.

Lenders for the approximately $176 million construction-to-term facility are KeyBank N.A. and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. Morgan Stanley Renewables Inc. has committed to make up to $120 million in tax equity financing for Mustang Two. CohnReznick Capital served as financial advisor and Stoel Rives served as Solar Frontier Americas’ counsel in the deal.

Located on a 1,400 acre site, the Mustang Two project is currently under construction and is slated to begin commercial operation in 2020. Once complete, the project will be owned and operated by Solar Frontier Americas.

“Obtaining financing from these top tier lenders and tax equity provider is yet another major milestone and accomplishment for Solar Frontier Americas’ IPP and development business. SFA and our parent company, Idemitsu, continue to expand our US business with extraordinary partners dedicated to the growth of renewable power,” said Charles Pimentel, CEO of Solar Frontier Americas’ IPP business unit.

“KeyBanc Capital Markets is also pleased to serve as an arranger on the financing to support Solar Frontier Americas in this milestone project,” said Andrew Redinger, Manager Director & Group Head, Utilities Power & Renewables at KeyBanc Capital Markets.

The 210 MWp solar farm represents SFA’s largest project and financing to date. Recent projects include the acquisition of a 100 MW solar farm in Colorado and a 50.5 MW project in Stanislaus County, California.

“Mizuho is proud to partner with Solar Frontier Americas, an important Japan-based global client relationship,” said Naoki Matsunaga, Vice President of Project Finance at Mizuho Bank, Ltd. “As the first Asian bank to adopt the Equator Principles, Mizuho is focused on finding and financing such innovative renewable energy projects. It is especially gratifying that part of the deal is supplying energy to one of California’s community choice aggregators, amplifying the benefit in a state with pressing renewable energy goals.”

“We are proud to partner with Solar Frontier Americas to continue developing and investing in the growth of renewable energy in the U.S.,” said Jorge Iragorri, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.

The renewable power generated by Mustang Two will be sold through power purchase agreements with Peninsula Clean Energy, which serves San Mateo County, and Modesto Irrigation District. The combined energy generation from the two contracts will power 37,500 homes with clean electricity.

About Solar Frontier Americas

Solar Frontier Americas (SFA), a U.S. based subsidiary of Idemitsu, is a growing independent power producer and solar development firm. The vertically-integrated energy company acquires, develops, owns and operates high-yield, utility-scale solar power generation plants; selling the clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically live in healthier environments. With offices in California and Nevada, SFA continues to develop its growing pipeline of over 1 GW of utility-scale projects.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $146.7 billion at September 30, 2019. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of over 1,100 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit www.key.com. KeyBank is Member of FDIC.

About Mizuho Bank

Mizuho Americas is a leading financial institution comprising several legal entities, which together offer clients corporate and investment banking, financing, securities, treasury services, asset management, research and more. With professionals in offices throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Chile, Mizuho’s operations in the Americas connect a broad client base of major corporations, financial institutions and public sector groups to local markets and a vast global network. Learn more at mizuhoamericas.com. Mizuho Americas is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. Mizuho Financial Group is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, offering comprehensive financial and strategic services including private banking and venture capital through its subsidiaries. The group has over 900 offices and 60,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. As of December 31, 2018, its total assets were $1.8 trillion. Learn more about Mizuho Financial Group at www.mizuho-fg.com.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 41 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2019 – Solar Frontier Americas (“SFA”), the US-based renewable energy business of Idemitsu Kosan Company, announced that it has further expanded its power generation portfolio with the acquisition of a 50.5 MWDC solar project purchased from CS Solar, joint venture company of Samsung Solar Energy. The project is located in Stanislaus County, California, a few hours southeast of San Jose. Power from the project will be supplied to Silicon Valley Power (the not-for-profit municipal utility of Santa Clara, California) through a power purchase agreement (PPA).

“With a long track record of working with leading investor-owned utilities, munis and community choice aggregators, and the financial strength of our global organization, Solar Frontier Americas continues to pursue large-scale project acquisitions to grow our wholesale renewable energy power business,” said Charles Pimentel, CEO of Solar Frontier Americas’ IPP business unit.

Construction on the Central 40 solar project is expected to begin in 2020 with the project coming online later that year. Solar Frontier Americas will be the long-term owner and operator.

“Samsung Solar Energy is pleased to sell this project which we developed with Coldwell Solar, to an organization with the utility-scale development expertise and power generation management capabilities of Solar Frontier Americas. There continues to be strong demand for solar projects well-managed through the development stage. As a leading renewable energy project developer, we’re well positioned to deliver on that demand,” commented Seung-gul Lee, President and CEO of Samsung C&T America Inc, a parent company of Samsung Solar Energy.

“The Solar Frontier Americas’ project will support Santa Clara’s commitment to environmental responsibility and achieving a carbon-neutral electric supply,” noted Manuel Pineda, Chief Electric Utility Officer for Silicon Valley Power, the municipal utility of Santa Clara. “We are pleased to partner with Solar Frontiers America on this clean energy project.”

About Solar Frontier Americas
Solar Frontier Americas (SFA), a U.S. based subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Company, is a growing independent power producer and solar development firm. The vertically-integrated energy company acquires, develops, owns and operates high-yield, utility-scale solar power generation plants; selling the clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically live in healthier environments. With offices in California and Nevada, SFA continues to develop its growing pipeline of over 1 GW of utility-scale projects.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 10, 2019 – Solar Frontier Americas (“SFA”), the US-based renewable energy business of Idemitsu Kosan Company announced that it has continued to grow it’s business as an independent power producer, through the acquisition of a 100 MWDC solar plant from GCL New Energy, Inc., a member of GCL New Energy Holdings Limited. The project is located east of Denver, Colorado, in Adams County, and is currently in the final stages of development. Construction is expected to begin in the latter part of 2019, and it will serve a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA), a nonprofit electric distribution cooperative based in Sedalia, Colorado. IREA serves over 160,000 customers in 11 Colorado counties.

“A shift is underway with traditional fossil fuel providers to support investments for clean energy that benefit the future of our environment and society. This acquisition exemplifies Solar Frontier Americas, and our parent company, Idemitsu’s commitment to furthering the sustainability of our society through the use of clean renewable power,” said Charles Pimentel, CEO of Solar Frontier Americas’ IPP business unit.

Solar Frontier America’s acquisition of the Pioneer Solar Project adds to their most recent successes including the acquisition of a 210 MWDC solar project located in Kings County, California and the signing of a 56 MW PPA with a California-based Community Choice Aggregator (CCA).

Frank Zhu, Executive President of GCL New Energy, Inc., commented, “This project transaction demonstrates Solar Frontier Americas prowess in the acquisition of quality projects. GCL leverages it’s global knowledge to deliver the highest caliber of quality in our solar project development on our path to becoming one of the most respected global energy leaders in the world.”

Patrick Mooney, Chief Executive Officer of IREA, said, “We are pleased that Solar Frontier Americas is purchasing the Pioneer Solar project and look forward to working with them through the power purchase agreement to provide renewable solar energy to our customers at a low, fixed cost for years to come.”

About Solar Frontier Americas
Solar Frontier Americas (SFA), a U.S. based subsidiary of Idemitsu, is a growing independent power producer and solar development firm. The vertically-integrated energy company acquires, develops, owns and operates high-yield, utility-scale solar power generation plants; selling the clean energy to help communities both economically and ecologically live in healthier environments. With offices in California and Nevada, SFA continues to develop its growing pipeline of over 1 GW of utility-scale projects.