Centrica is to acquire the Isle of Grain liquified natural gas terminal (Grain LNG) in partnership with Energy Capital Partners from National Grid for an enterprise value of £1.5 billion (€1.7 billion). After taking into account approximately £1.1 billion of new non-recourse project finance debt, Centrica’s 50% share of the equity investment is approximately £200 million.
This move in is line with Centrica’s strategy of investing in regulated and contracted assets supporting the energy transition, delivering predictable long-term, inflation-linked cash flows, with 100% of capacity contracted until 2029, >70% until 2038 and >50% until 2045.
Grain LNG delivers vital energy security for the UK, providing critical LNG import/export, regasification and rapid response gas storage capacity to balance the energy system. ‘The Isle of Grain terminal is a strategic asset that will support the UK’s energy security for many decades to come, keeping energy flowing reliably and affordably to households and businesses across the country as we transition to net zero. That’s why we are so pleased to be investing, continuing Centrica’s pivot towards long-term, predictable infrastructure cash flows, underpinning our medium-term guidance and creating valuable future options,’ says Centrica group chief executive, Chris O’Shea. ‘We are delighted to be partnering with ECP, a highly experienced investor in energy infrastructure around the world. We look forward to working with them and Grain LNG’s management team to deliver on the full potential of this unique asset for customers and the country. Our decision to commit £3bn of capital in both Sizewell C and the Isle of Grain demonstrates the attractiveness of the UK as an investment location underpinned by supportive government investment policies.’
Tyler Reeder, president and managing partner of ECP, adds: ‘As one of the largest private owners of natural gas generation and infrastructure assets in the U.S., ECP has long understood that natural gas is indispensable to keeping grids resilient and advancing the transition to a lower-carbon future. With the emergence of the U.S. as the global leader in low-cost LNG supply and the growing need for reliable natural gas supply across the UK and Europe, we believe Grain LNG will increasingly be relied upon as critical infrastructure to deliver dependable energy to local markets. We are thrilled to be partnering with Centrica, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the UK energy markets, as we execute our joint vision to optimise this world class asset and set up Grain LNG for success for decades to come.’
