Ameresco Secures Strategic Financing to Propel Clean Energy Infrastructure Projects
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a prominent provider of comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, has announced a major milestone in its financing strategy. One of its subsidiaries has executed a note purchase agreement alongside a private shelf agreement to support the funding of both current and future energy infrastructure initiatives. This strategic move signals Ameresco’s deepening commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition and delivering advanced, resilient energy solutions to its clients across sectors.
As a key player in the energy services sector, Ameresco has consistently focused on the development, construction, and long-term operation of clean energy systems. These range from solar and wind power to battery energy storage systems (BESS), energy efficiency upgrades, and infrastructure modernization. The latest financial agreement reflects a major step forward in Ameresco’s efforts to secure flexible, long-term capital necessary for sustaining momentum in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Financing Details for Energy Storage and Solar Projects
Under the newly signed agreement, the first note purchase enables the issuance of Series A notes totaling $78 million. These funds are earmarked specifically to finance a battery energy storage asset currently under construction. With a maturity date set for 2045, the Series A notes carry a fixed interest rate, offering predictable financing costs over a 20-year term. This facility exemplifies Ameresco’s strategic foresight in ensuring capital availability for long-duration infrastructure investments that are vital for grid modernization and energy resilience.
In addition to the Series A notes, the agreement anticipates the issuance—pending lender approval—of Series B notes. These would finance a separate project involving a hybrid solar plus battery energy storage system, further expanding Ameresco’s renewable energy footprint. The solar-plus-storage model has gained prominence in recent years due to its ability to mitigate intermittency issues associated with solar energy, thereby enhancing overall grid stability.
Notably, Ameresco’s subsidiary has also entered into a $300 million uncommitted private shelf facility. This facility is intended to provide capital for future solar and battery energy projects, giving Ameresco the ability to tap into financing on a project-by-project basis as opportunities arise. The shelf agreement offers a streamlined and pre-approved structure for debt issuance, allowing the company to access funds more efficiently without the need for prolonged due diligence for each individual transaction.
Leveraging Investment Tax Credits for Cost Efficiency
As part of the broader financial transaction, Ameresco has entered into an agreement for the transfer of investment tax credits (ITCs) linked to the battery energy storage project funded by the Series A notes. These tax credits will be monetized once the asset reaches commercial operation status. This approach to ITC transfer aligns with recent U.S. federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which promotes renewable energy deployment by making such credits transferable and more accessible to project developers.
The company also expects to execute similar tax credit transfers for the solar-plus-storage asset associated with the Series B notes and for future qualifying projects under the $300 million shelf facility. These tax equity strategies enable Ameresco to effectively reduce the cost of capital, increase project return on investment, and deploy clean energy technologies at a faster pace.
Leadership Commentary: A Vision for Resilience and Sustainability
George Sakellaris, President and CEO of Ameresco, emphasized the transformative nature of this financial arrangement. “This financial arrangement marks a significant milestone for Ameresco as we continue to lead the way in providing innovative energy solutions,” Sakellaris stated. “We expect that the $300 million private shelf facility will allow us to execute multiple transactions, enhancing our ability to deliver energy projects that drive cost savings, resilience, and decarbonization. We are excited about the flexibility this agreement provides, as we expect that it will enable us to accelerate the deployment of resilient energy infrastructure.”
Sakellaris’s remarks highlight Ameresco’s multifaceted approach—combining financial innovation with technical expertise to address some of the most pressing challenges in today’s energy systems, such as aging infrastructure, vulnerability to extreme weather events, and rising carbon emissions.
Strategic Partnerships That Power Innovation
The successful execution of this financing structure was made possible through strategic collaboration with financial partners that share Ameresco’s vision for a sustainable energy future.
Eric Alini, CEO of CounterpointeSRE, underscored the significance of the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with Ameresco, a leading energy solutions and infrastructure provider, to finance impactful renewable energy and storage initiatives,” said Alini. “This shelf agreement aligns perfectly with CounterpointeSRE’s commitment to support resilient, sustainable infrastructure in a variety of asset classes that drive both environmental and economic benefits.”
CounterpointeSRE brings to the table a specialized focus on sustainable real estate and infrastructure financing, with a particular emphasis on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and tax equity structures. Their involvement in this deal enables a holistic financing solution that supports project scalability and adaptability.
Adding another layer of depth to the financial partnership is Barings, a global investment management firm with robust infrastructure debt capabilities. Stephen Coscia, Managing Director of Global Infrastructure Debt at Barings, commented on the collaborative nature of the deal: “Barings is delighted to work alongside Ameresco and our affiliate, CounterpointeSRE, on this innovative financing. By combining Barings’ debt expertise with CounterpointeSRE’s origination and tax equity capabilities, we’re able to provide Ameresco with a flexible, comprehensive capital solution. This collaboration underscores the unique advantages of our broad platform and our joint commitment to advancing the clean energy transition.”
Barings’ involvement demonstrates the growing interest from global institutional investors in sustainable infrastructure as a long-term, resilient asset class. Their participation also reflects growing confidence in Ameresco’s leadership and business model as a developer, operator, and long-term steward of energy infrastructure.
A Broader Industry Context
This announcement comes at a time when global momentum around clean energy investment is accelerating. Governments, corporations, and institutions are ramping up commitments to decarbonize operations and invest in renewable power, storage, and efficiency improvements. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), battery energy storage installations are expected to increase fivefold by 2030, with hybrid solar-plus-storage projects playing a key role in achieving national and corporate net-zero targets.
Ameresco’s diversified portfolio and integrated business model position it well to capitalize on these trends. The company’s end-to-end services—from design and financing to construction and ongoing operations—offer clients a one-stop solution for navigating complex energy transitions. With the ability to leverage tax incentives, secure long-term capital, and implement scalable technology solutions, Ameresco is emerging as a go-to partner for municipalities, federal agencies, universities, and large-scale commercial clients seeking customized clean energy strategies.
Scaling Clean Energy Deployment
The financial flexibility granted by this new agreement will likely allow Ameresco to expand its project pipeline and accelerate development timelines across North America. The uncommitted nature of the shelf facility offers a nimble financing tool that can support a wide array of projects—including grid-tied storage, behind-the-meter installations, and utility-scale solar developments.
Moreover, Ameresco’s ability to monetize tax credits, attract diverse funding partners, and execute long-term debt instruments places it in a strong position to weather market fluctuations and regulatory shifts. As more capital flows into the green infrastructure sector, companies like Ameresco that are already embedded in the market with proven capabilities will be at the forefront of shaping the next generation of energy systems.
