FuelCell Energy has entered into an $87m non-recourse project financing facility. In addition to diversifying the company’s access to capital, the proceeds from this facility were used to repay some of the company’s existing indebtedness and may be used to accelerate commercialization of its hydrogen fuel cell technologies, strategic initiatives, and for other general corporate purposes.
The multi-bank term facility includes Investec Bank plc as Coordinating Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, Bank of Montreal as Mandated Lead Arranger, together with Liberty Bank as Depositary Agent and Lender along with Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank as lenders. The 7-year term financing package comprises an $80.5m term loan and a $6.5m Debt Service Reserve Letter of Credit for a portfolio of six operating assets.
“At Investec, we have led more than $10bn in energy and infrastructure project financings over the past five years and this successful closing for FuelCell Energy evidences our continued commitment to help decarbonize the U.S. economy. We believe this financing strategy is ideal for FuelCell Energy, allowing the company to diversify its capital stack as well as access term project capital to support the growth of its business and operations of its existing assets,” said Fred Petit, co-head of Investec’s North American Power & Infrastructure Group.
“This facility enables FuelCell Energy to execute a more efficient financing structure by sensibly leveraging a portfolio of long-term contracted operating assets supported by investment-grade counterparties while attracting a diverse group of lenders and bringing material incremental cash back to FuelCell Energy. We are very pleased to have participation across this expanded bank group,” said Michael Bishop, EVP and CFO of FuelCell Energy. “The 7-year term allows the Company to navigate the current volatility in the fixed income markets and secure project financing at competitive pricing. FuelCell Energy is always looking to diversify our sources of capital while partnering with world class financial institutions such as those represented in this non-recourse facility,” added Mr. Bishop.
Proceeds to the Company following repayment of existing project debt were approximately $46.1m of unrestricted cash and $14.5m of restricted cash to fund performance reserves.
