Skyborn Renewables Launches as a Leading Company in Global Wind Power

Press release

GIP Closes and Rebrands Former Wpd Offshore Business New Management Team Appointed Announces Opening of Hamburg Office Hub

Meike Wulfers

Head of Corporate Communications

Global Infrastructure Partners (“GIP”), a leading independent global infrastructure investor, today announced the launch of Skyborn Renewables, a leading player in the international wind power industry.Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn)was previously operated as wpdoffshore.

In May, GIP announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the business. The transaction closed on September 15, 2022.

The assets of Skyborninclude interests in 5 operating and under-construction projects in Germany, France and Taiwan; and a pipeline of over 30 GW (gross) of highly diversified offshore wind projects in various stages of development.The company has over 20 years of development experience, a track record of ~7 GW developed to date, and a presence in fifteen European and APAC markets. 

CEO Achim Berge Olsencommented: “Skyborn Renewables willcombine the team’s experiencewith GIP’s financial strength and track recordof investing in renewables assets to the deployment of offshore wind energy for the benefit of future generations. Our mission is to address the global challenges of the climate crisis and energy security.” 

In addition to Berge Olsen, the newly-appointed management team includes:

  • João Metelo, Chief Investment & Financial Officer (CIFO), senior energy executive with over 23 years of international experience
  • Morten Melin, Chief Operating Officer (COO) from March 2023, a high-profile industry expert with more than 25 years of outstanding on- and offshore wind experience
  • Thomas Karst, a versatile manager with almost 25 years of industry and leadership experience and a strong focus on successful customer projects, will act as Co-Chief Operating Officer (Co-COO)
  • Lars Muck, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), accomplished technologist with over 25 years of industry and leadership experience
  • Cathrin Browne, General Counsel (from 1 November 2022), a high-profile lawyer with more than 12 years of renewable energy experience from top-tier private practice and in-house positions

To support the team and strengthen its operating capabilities, Skyborn Renewables will open an office in Hamburg.

“GIP identified offshore wind as an important component of the transition to clean, renewable power. The investment in Skyborn is a significant milestone and demonstrates GIP’s commitment to the continued growth of global renewable power generation,” said Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP. 

About Global Infrastructure Partners

GIP is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water/waste sectors in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIP’s global renewables portfolio includes solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage assets representing 18 GW of operating and construction capacity, royalty interests in over 21 GW of operating renewable projects, and over 175 GW of assets under construction or in development. Headquartered in New York, GIP operates out of 10 offices: New York, London, Stamford (Connecticut), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore and Hong Kong. GIP manages c. US $84 billion for its investors. GIP’s portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of c. US $68 billion and employ over 100,000 people. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.

About Skyborn Renewables

Skyborn Renewables is driving global decarbonisation by accelerating offshore wind energy across the world. We believe offshore wind is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition and an enabler to achieve net-zero targets and ensure energy security and a sustainable energy supply for future generations. Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience. Our capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management.

For more information, visit www.skybornrenewables.com

For Global Infrastructure Partners:

mediainquiries@global-infra.com

+1 646-282-1545

For Skyborn Renewables:

Meike Wulfers

Head of Corporate Communications

m.wulfers@skybornrenewables.com

+49 (151) 50124410

CLP Strategies

ppendleton@clpstrategies.com

+1 914 364-8024