2023

A leading renewable energy solutions provider

We develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy in emerging markets

Growing renewables
Growing renewables

Towards 2027 we will continue to grow our renewables capacity, targeting NOK 500-750 million in annual gross equity investments. Solar PV, wind and battery storage will make up the largest share of our investments due to its complementary profiles and attractive fundamentals. We will utilise our competitive integrated business model and stay committed to delivering attractive returns of 1.2 times the cost of equity, D&C gross margins of 8-10% and O&M margins of 25-30%.

 

We aim to build stronger and longer-term positions in selected emerging markets, where we see a clear green agenda and potential to build scale and apply our proven model. We are ramping up growth in South Africa, Egypt, Brazil and the Philippines where we have a strong track record and operational portfolios, while we are building positions in India and Poland. Beyond these focus markets, we will maintain our opportunistic approach, applying strict guidelines on potential projects in terms of size and value creation.

 

Scatec will further grow selectively in green hydrogen and hydropower. Our green hydrogen efforts are focused on Egypt where we have secured projects with excellent renewable energy resources and export hubs to Europe. Within hydropower, Scatec’s JVs with Aboitiz in the Philippines and Norfund and BII in Hydro Africa are exploring attractive growth opportunities.

Optimising the portfolio
Optimising the portfolio

We further seek to optimise our portfolio through capital recycling. Our capital recycling rationale is to re-invest capital into new value creating projects and also seek to reduce debt on corporate level over time. We will exit selected non-core markets to consolidate the portfolio as illustrated by Scatec’s recent divestments of Mozambique, Rwanda, and Argentina. We might also realise selective divestments or farm-downs in our focus markets if it is value creative and does not harm our strategic position, exemplified by the sale of Upington in South Africa.

Our role in the pathway to net zero
Our role in the pathway to net zero

Renewable energy companies have an important role to play in supporting the world to achieve its climate targets. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require investment, innovation, technology, and a cultural shift. We have set ourselves a net zero climate target that is validated and approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).

 

We believe that emerging markets are essential in this journey. At Scatec, we create opportunities for emerging markets through renewable energy – not only as they work towards the clean energy transition, but also to boost their economies, create jobs and meet growing energy needs.

 

We are passionate about what we do and the role we play in delivering clean and affordable energy, and across our globally dispersed teams we call ourselves ‘changemakers’.

 

We know that with the right people and the right focus, we can improve the future. This work has already begun with our strategic actions towards 2027, and it’s what will take us far beyond, into the net zero future.

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

During 2023, we have sharpened our strategy, focusing on solar, wind, and batteries to capitalise on a significant drop in solar panel prices, batteries, and transportation costs.

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2023: Delivering on strategy

Finalised our largest construction programme

2023 was characterised by high construction activity, and we finalised our largest construction programme in history:

  • Started commercial operation of Kenhardt in December, the hybrid solar and battery project with 540 MW solar and 225 MW/ 1,140 MWh battery storage
  • The 150 MW Sukkur project in Pakistan started commercial operation on 31 January 2024
  • In Brazil, the 531 MW solar project reached completion and started commercial operation 8 March 2024

These three projects are projected to contribute with an annual EBITDA of NOK 750 million to Scatec within our power production segment.

Accelerating Release’s growth ambitions

During 2023 Release demonstrated the strength of its business model and secured USD 202 million in debt and equity funding and USD 65 million in guarantees through transactions involving our esteemed partners, Climate Fund Managers and IFC.

These transactions establish Release as a strong and independent platform and will contribute to accelerate the growth ambitions for the flexible leasing solution of pre-assembled and modular solar and battery equipment Release offers.

 

Well positioned for continued growth

We have secured further growth for 2024, with construction start of 273 MW in South Africa and 60 MW in Botswana, representing NOK 350 million in equity investments and D&C revenues of NOK 2.5 billion. Additionally, we were awarded South Africa’s first battery project of 103 MW/ 412 MWh and a subsequent expansion in Botswana to 120 MW.

Our solid pipeline of 11.1 GW across technologies, have been high-graded in 2023 with focus on locations, timelines, maturity and value creation. Less attractive projects, mainly within offshore wind and hydro, have been taken out and new attractive solar projects in core regions have been added. Consequently, the share of solar has increased to 59%, and the share of projects in our focus markets to above 90%.

Net zero: From targets to action

In first quarter 2023, Scatec’s climate targets were approved by the Science Based Target Initiative.

During the year, Scatec developed a climate roadmap for its path to net zero.

The roadmap highlights six key emissions reduction initiatives that the Company will pursue towards 2040.

In 2024, key focus will be on electric vehicles and charging stations, SF61 and engagement with strategic suppliers on climate matters.

1) SF6 gas (Sulfur hexafluoride) is a greenhouse gas that is mainly used in medium and high-voltage switchgears in the electric power grid

 

 

 

Self-funded growth plan

We have sharpened our strategy, focusing on solar, wind and batteries to capitalise on a significant drop in solar panel prices, batteries, and transportation costs. We have aligned our growth rate with internal funding capacity, targeting NOK 500-750 million of annual equity investments in renewable energy. We will stay committed to deliver attractive returns of 1.2 times cost of equity, D&C gross margins of 8-10%, and O&M margins of 25-30%.

Received top ESG ratings

Scatec holds top ESG ratings from leading global ESG rating agencies actively covering Scatec, including:

  • Scored A+ grade in Position Green’s annual analysis of ESG reporting – among the top-rated companies in Scandinavia
  • Placed on Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) A-List with top score, in corporate transparency and climate change performance
  • Low risk rating from Sustainalytics – top score in utilities industry group
Optimising the portfolio

In line with our strategy, we seek to optimise our portfolio through capital recycling and consolidating the portfolio. In 2023, we embarked on this strategic pillar, and successfully divested four solar power plants in South Africa, Mozambique, Argentina and Rwanda.

In total, we secured NOK 2.7 billion of new growth funding in 2023, including the above-mentioned divestments and the partnerships established for the Release platform.

Statement on equality and non-discrimination

This report outlines the status of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) within Scatec and sets out the Company’s global efforts to ensure equal opportunities for all employees and proactively prevent discrimination.

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Corporate Governance Report

Our approach to Corporate Governance is intended to decrease business risk, maximise value and utilise our recourses in an efficient and sustainable manner to the benefit of shareholders, employees and society at large.

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Key figures

4.0

GHG emissions avoided
(Mill tonnes, 100% basis)

8,540

Power produced in 2023
(GWh, 100% basis)

680

Employees