The benefits of dual-certificated fire doorsets

Architects and specifiers selecting fire doors for residential buildings need to be confident that they will perform as they should. That is where third-party certification makes a difference.

Door-Stop International has launched its new Fire and Security Dual-Certificated Doorset; a timber core product with GRP facings that is third-party certificated using a robust base of primary test evidence as the foundation for certification.

 

Full traceability of all doorset components

Door-Stop operate a strict, digital, factory production control system designed to provide complete control and traceability. These processes are regularly audited by independent, UKAS accredited auditors.

Specifiers, building owners and residents can easily access the key features of the specification and associated certification. A unique label is applied to each doorset that aids traceability of the product.

 

Door-Stop makes what it burns

Door-Stop only undertake fire tests on products that are manufactured under witness and verification of an independent third-party.  It means the design specified has been inspected and documented, not a ‘golden sample’ that has been engineered just to pass the test.

The Door-Stop dual-certificated doorset is accredited by the Warringtonfire Certifire scheme to demonstrate fire credentials and by Certisecure for its security performance. This product range is also recognised by Secured by Design as dual certificated.

 

Multiple tests that make up primary test evidence

Primary test evidence refers to when a fire door has been tested as part of a complete doorset.

Door-Stop includes a list of the test reports used to create the certification scope, and all stakeholders can access the summary test evidence and certification for complete transparency.

Its fire doorsets are tested multiple times across a variety of components and configurations, and goes beyond minimum standard benchmarks including:

  • Robust testing regimes: The Door-Stop product range is tested in multiple configurations to really understand the extremes of performance and address potential variability in results. This test evidence supports the specification that is provided by certification.

 

  • Lineal gap sealing: tested with two different methods of lineal gap sealing – a compressible, expansion joint seal which acts as a fire barrier – in order to prove installed performance. Based on those tests, a number of alternative systems are approved for use by Certifire.

By testing in this way, variability is accounted for within the process, which provides additional assurances in the results.

This primary test evidence forms the basis of the certification and demonstrates that the pass was not a ‘one-off’.

 

Golden Thread

Door-Stop’s digital ‘Critical to Safety’ production control process records the specification and adds traceability of every doorset to offer reassurance that the every doorset meets specification. This creates a golden thread of information that aids traceability for all stakeholders in the chain.

 

Technical support at every stage
Door-Stop’s online product configurator tool helps architects and specifiers to tailor the doorset to the required specification. This is a critical control point as orders can only be made when doorsets comply with a specification that is compatible with the certification.

Detailed instructions and resources are provided to ensure that doorsets can be installed in line with the certification. Competent installation means the doorset should perform as designed, and assists installers and building owners in meeting their legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of residents.

 

www.masonite.co.uk/firedoorsets

 

 

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Kawneer systems help take the wind out of Birmingham’s sails

Curtain walling, windows and doors feature on a 33-storey apartment tower.

 

High performance building façade products manufactured by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified to handle the challenging wind loads on Birmingham’s tallest exclusively residential tower block.

Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling, complemented by AA®720 top-hung ventilator windows on the first to top floors, with AA®190 TB entrance doors on the ground floor, were specified by Glancy Nicholls Architects for the £30 million 33-storey Left Bank 2 tower.

The external façade is constructed of in-situ reinforced concrete frames that were developed over two years by main contractor Wates for developer Regal Property Group, Left Bank 2 is the second tower to feature Kawneer’s aluminium systems at The Bank, between Broad Street and Brindley Place in the city centre.

Also funded by real estate investment company Aprirose, Left Bank 2 comprises 217 luxury one to three-bedroomed apartments with private gym, residents lounge and coffee bar, private kitchen and dining room, on-site cycle storage, and secure and private outdoor green space.

Featuring 3,580ft2 of ground-floor retail space, it is one of only two residential skyscrapers in the city to measure over 100 metres tall. Left Bank 1 is 21 storeys and features Kawneer’s thermally superior AA®720 windows.

Glancy Nicholls’ focus was to respond to the Grade ll listed building that occupies a key part of both the site and its streetscape, and to provide a new public realm link to the adjacent commercial and leisure district. The “brass” building envelope on both towers takes reference from the historical context of the neighbouring Brasshouse building and the site’s brass and metal working heritage.

 

Glancy Nicholls’ Marketing Co-ordinator Sophie Casewell said: “We specified the Kawneer systems for their system performance, particularly in relation to wind loads.

“The curtain wall system delivered the required performance to deal with the challenging wind loads on the 33-storey tower, with the site also elevated geographically within Birmingham. The aesthetics of the system also delivered upon the desired design intent.”

She added: “The Kawneer glazed elements are a significant element with the façade design and assisted with the aesthetic detailing required. The glass to glass corners maximise daylighting and views across the city.

“The client has been very satisfied with the product, with over 70% of the apartments sold by building completion. The glass to glass corner windows were a big selling point and the aluminium material assisted in achieving the client’s sustainable target deliverables.”

 

The Kawneer systems, including AA®100 curtain walling featuring 50mm sightlines, were installed over 18 months by a team of eight operatives from Kawneer-approved specialist sub-contractor APiC UK who also installed the Kawneer windows on Left Bank 1.

APiC’s Sales and Estimating Technician Andrew Finn said: “The relationship that was established on the first tower ensured that Wates and Glancy Nicholls had the confidence to proceed on Left Bank 2 using Kawneer products with APiC as their preferred curtain walling sub-contractor.”

Left Bank 2 was a finalist in the 2020 Facades Awards UK for Best use of a building facade system using aluminium.

Glancy Nicholls have also used Kawneer systems on the St Modwen student residences in Swansea and the John Taylor Free School in Burton.

 

www.kawneer.co.uk

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Fire Protection Advice for Construction

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NBS AND ASFP ANNOUNCE SAFETY-BASED COLLABORATION

Today, NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has entered into a new partnership agreement with the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection), the UK’s leading association for the passive fire protection sector.

The partnership aims to assist with peer review and ensure the accuracy and quality of specifications relating to passive fire protection. It allows NBS to publish references to and extracts from ASFP Technical Guidance in NBS products and services, and to provide ASFP with extracts of NBS content for peer review.

The move will result in improved support to architects, designers and specifiers in developing specifications for passive fire protection products and systems. It ensures they will have access to appropriate high-quality guidance and technical content, helping them to produce accurate and structured specifications. It will also assist passive fire protection manufacturers to provide product information and technical data in an appropriate and structured format.

Commenting on the partnership, ASFP CEO, Steve Davies, said: “One of the ASFP’s key aims is to raise the standards and improve the quality of passive fire protection products and installations. This new partnership with NBS offers us the opportunity to influence the way in which passive fire protection products are specified and to improve understanding throughout the construction sector of the properties and performance of these key life safety products.

“We look forward to working with NBS to raise awareness so that passive fire protection will be considered much earlier in the construction process. By sharing our technical expertise and best practice guidance we hope to promote the correct design, specification and installation of passive fire protection products and systems.”

Richard Waterhouse from NBS, said: “Fire safety has never been more important, and the ASFP bring a wealth of knowledge that’s unmatched in the industry. Having them on board will no doubt prove invaluable to our users when looking to specify passive fire protection products. Equally, this will be hugely beneficial to manufacturers who are looking to provide the very best standard of data and in a format that architects and specifiers can easily obtain.

“As specialists in their field, ASFP are the leading authority on passive fire protection and the design and installation of passive fire protection products, so we’re thrilled to be announcing this partnership. We’re also keen to share with ASFP members how NBS software can help protect against risk through our digitally collaborative specification writing platform.”

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “Similar to the NBS ethos, end-user safety is at the heart of what ASFP do. The need for further expertise and guidance on this matter has never been more relevant and we’re looking forward to introducing this knowledge into the NBS platform as soon as possible.”

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WIND – ARE YOU IN?

Countries around the world need to urgently scale up deployment of wind power in order to address the climate emergency, according to the Global Wind Coalition for COP26, which officially launches today on Global Wind Day.

The world is in a ‘make or break’ decade for climate action, and it is against this backdrop that the wind sector is intensifying its call for urgent climate action leading up to COP26 in November. Holding the most decarbonisation potential of any renewable energy source, wind power is an indispensable part of the solution to climate change while generating significant socioeconomic benefits.

But the world is not installing wind power at the pace needed to achieve net zero, and much more needs to be done to unleash its potential. According to recently released roadmap reports on reaching Net Zero by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the world needs to be installing wind power at around 3-4 times the level of 2020, which saw a record 93 GW installed.

The wind industry’s new campaign for COP26 asks governments, companies, and people across the world one critical question: Wind. Are You In?
“We need to move from talking to action, and work together to massively scale up wind power around the world if we want to get to net zero by 2050. We need to be installing wind energy three to four times the current pace, which means we need governments to urgently raise their ambition, simplify red tape, invest in grid and revamp energy markets,” said Ben Backwell, CEO at GWEC.

“The wind industry has the technology, and there is huge appetite from investors and companies to switch to clean energy, but we need governments to stop holding us back and be all in for wind”, he added.

Wind power, both onshore and offshore, has expanded significantly in the last decades and is now a cost-competitive, clean energy powerhouse poised to be at the centre of the race to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. There is now nearly 750 GW of global installed wind capacity, which helps the world already avoid 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of South America.

The record-breaking deployment of global wind energy has been driven by a virtuous cycle of innovation, cost reduction, and increased scale. The result of this immense growth is that wind energy is now a mainstream energy source and has proven to be reliable and affordable while being a sustainable engine for economic growth.


“Investing in wind power is a win-win for countries to create new local jobs and investment today to power a green recovery, while building more resilient infrastructure and economies for tomorrow. Governments are missing their golden opportunity to achieve their parallel goals of climate action and boosting economies after the COVID-19 crisis if they don’t take urgent action to drive wind power growth. We need them to get serious about wind”, commented Rebecca Williams, Director of COP26 at GWEC.

“All eyes are going to be on Glasgow this November as world leaders gather for COP26, and governments need to use this critical moment to put the world on the right track to achieve net zero. We don’t have time left to go on ‘business-as-usual’ – the climate emergency is already here. Luckily, we already have the solution that can significantly reduce the world’s carbon emissions, but we need governments to join us now or risk getting left behind”, she added.

 

 

The Global Wind Energy Coalition for COP26 is an initiative led by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and is a multi-stakeholder group of leading wind power companies and associations from across the globe committed to ramping up wind power capacity to limit the dangerous impacts of climate change. Members include: Aker Offshore WInd, Akselos, BayWa r.e., DNV, EDP Renewables, Equinor, GE Renewable Energy, Glennmont Partners from Nuveen, Green Investment Group, Mainstream Renewable Power, Orsted, Principle Power, RES, RWE, Siemens Gamesa, SSE Renewables, Vestas, ABEEolica, American Clean Power, Chinese Renewable Energy Industry Association, Chinese Wind Energy Association, RenewableUK, South African Wind Energy Association, and WindEurope.

For more information on the global wind industry’s COP26 campaign, visit the campaign website here.

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£9.8m Hospital Project Awarded to Premier Modular

Premier Modular, one of the UK’s leading offsite construction specialists, has been awarded a £9.8m project for Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to build a 62-bed Priority Assessment Unit at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.

 Main contractor Premier will be supported by strategic delivery partner Claritas Group. Due for completion by summer 2021, this fast-track building project will reduce the programme by up to nine months compared to in-situ construction. The speed of offsite manufacturing and fitting out will allow earlier occupation to support the increased demand for emergency care.

Designed by BDP and delivery architects P+HS, the two-storey scheme will provide a new Priority Assessment Unit. It will be linked to the Emergency Department and will accommodate 62 patient bays, nurse stations, staff rooms, seminar rooms, laundry, clean utilities, and kitchenettes. The new unit will be fitted with medical gases, datacomms, security systems, CCTV, nurse call systems, and fully integrated with the main hospital.

Andrew Grimes, Assistant Director of Property and Capital Development, said, “This project forms part of the Trust’s emergency pathway redevelopment programme, which is now underway, and responds to the urgent national need to increase capacity in emergency care.”

“Offsite construction means less time on site and therefore much less disruption to patient care, which is a priority for the Trust. The Premier solution met the technical constraints of this site, particularly to provide seamless connections at two levels to maintain patient flows between the existing Emergency Department. Premier has demonstrated the flexibility and design capabilities to engineer a bespoke solution for this challenging site, with all the speed, quality and value benefits of offsite construction. We look forward to the successful delivery of this much needed new unit.”

Akshay Khera, Architecture Director at BDP, said, “This project is an example of how striking and unique architectural design, that is also in keeping with its surroundings, can be successfully married with delivery via offsite construction, bringing many benefits including speed, quality and efficiency.”

Dan Allison, Director of Premier Modular, said, “This scheme is ideally suited to offsite construction. It allows the Trust to meet an urgent need to expand capacity for emergency care and the development of a very constrained site. The new building will be located in a courtyard and close to the Emergency Department which will require careful logistical planning. We will be maximising construction and fitout work offsite to radically reduce disruption to patient care. This means we will only be on site for just over six months.”

The offsite solution has been engineered to maintain patient flows between the existing facilities and the new unit, with continuous level floors throughout. Externally, the assessment unit will be finished in vertical rainscreen cladding in shades of grey and brickwork to complement adjacent buildings.

The building envelope has been designed to be highly thermally efficient to reduce running costs and carbon emissions, and the picture windows will have solar control glass and integral brise soleil sunshading. A building energy management system (BeMS) will optimise energy use.

The project was procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework.

Premier develops bespoke building solutions for highly constrained hospital sites which may be completely inaccessible for in-situ construction. Existing facilities can also be expanded rapidly and cost effectively, both vertically and horizontally. Its specialist healthcare teams have the expertise to provide purpose-designed facilities for primary care, acute services, and mental healthcare.

Premier uses advanced offsite technology to construct fast-track healthcare schemes of the highest quality, with less disruption to staff and patients, improved quality, shorter build programmes, and greater assurance of completion on time and on budget.

For further information, visit www.premiermodular.co.uk, call 0800 316 0888 or email info@premiermodular.co.uk.

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Threat of an Internet Dark Ages for Rural Areas

  • Property values in less densely populated areas have risen almost twice as fast as in urban hubs
  • The broadband infrastructure is lagging behind in rural areas
  • With the increase of population in areas with poor infrastructure, this will strain the current internet connections.
  • There has never been a more essential time to have good broadband with families being unable to meet and work being conducted from home.-Peak network traffic will have doubled by 2025

If nothing is done now some rural areas will be left in a digital dark age.

Rural property values in less populated areas have risen almost twice as fast as urban hubs over the last year. Naturally, this is due to people making the most of the freedoms we have been allowed and craving more space- inside and out.

Whilst rural housing prices have been rising to meet this demand, rural broadband infrastructure has not. In urban settings, good broadband is a common sight, with FTTP availability on the up and being fueled by the Governments ‘Project Gigabit’ scheme. However, in rural locations good internet is more of a luxury with some big providers refusing to touch the rural areas with anything more than FTTC, deeming them unprofitable.

Naturally, these factors create a dilemma as increased service in this area may leave residents struggling to connect to the internet and strain the existing infrastructure. In a time where good broadband is essential for contacting family and friends but also to work from home, this could cripple whole villages from keeping up with modern life.

Compare Fibre research has predicted that peak network traffic will have doubled by 2025. In this time, left unchecked, the fallout of this could be anything from damaged mental health due to increased loneliness right up to people being made unemployed for not being able to do their job. It is here then that the digital divide has very real implications.

With rural living on the up, infrastructure in these areas needs to be futureproofed within the next four years. It is in the interest of the residents, the housing market and the telecoms industries to do so with FTTP connections adding value to property prices. Alt Nets such as B4RN are already stepping up and bringing Gigabit-capable broadband to rural areas but these are a patchwork of networks across the country. If the dots are not connected in this time then some rural locations will inevitably be heading for a digital dark age.

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Hygienically Clean Paint from Crown Paints

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Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Anti Bacterial paint range offers the best of both worlds – a paint with added anti bacterial protection which will not diminish over time, no matter how many times it is scrubbed clean.

 Healthcare settings, workplaces, schools and hospitality venues all demand exceptional levels of cleanliness and need to be able to withstand more intensive cleaning regimes than ever. Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Anti Bacterial paint, which is formulated to help create hygienically clean walls and ceilings, offers the solution.

It is enhanced through the use of the independently tested SteriTouch® silver ion technology which not only inhibits the growth of any bacteria that comes into contact with the surface, but also prevents bacteria from multiplying. And, unlike other anti-bacterial paints available, its ‘built-in’ silver ion anti bacterial protection can’t be washed off no matter how many times the surface is scrubbed clean. It also offers exceptional stain resistance for ease of maintenance.

Offering protection, durability and design flexibility, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Anti Bacterial paint also boasts an upgraded Ultimate Opacity formulation and can be specified in either scrubbable matt or washable acrylic eggshell finish. Both options are available in a wide range of tinted colours and, with Crown’s colour experts to advise on the latest seasonal colours and trends, it means there’s no need to compromise on aesthetics when choosing a high performance product from the Clean Extreme range.

The popular Clean Extreme range also includes Clean Extreme Stain Resistant Scrubbable Matt and Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Scrubbable Matt – all of which are water-based bringing the additional benefits of a quick-drying and low-odour solution.

 

For more information on Crown Paints’ specification services, please call 0330 024 0310, email info@crownpaintspec.co.uk or visit www.crownpaintspec.co.uk. You can also follow @CrownTradePaint on Twitter and Crown Paints on LinkedIn.

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A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

The benefits of replacement, energy-efficient aluminium windows and doors for school renovations include savings on energy bills while providing a bright, secure and comfortable learning environment explains Russell Wallbank, Architectural Project Manager at window and door system supplier Schüco.

 

A pool of water on a window sill or a blind flapping in a cold draft are the tell-tale signs that a window has reached the end of its life. While you may not need an expert to tell you a window has failed, it is worth talking to an expert when it comes to selecting the best value product for its replacement. Often, a school will employ a building surveyor to assess the problem. They will then contact a window and door system supplier, such as Schüco, for advice on the most appropriate and cost-effective replacement.

A reputable supplier will select the most suitable product from their range. This may involve visiting the school, writing a specification for the job, producing preliminary window drawings and even recommending an approved fabricator and installer.

One concern often raised is whether planning permission is needed when replacing a failed window or external door. Generally, planning permission is not required, providing the aesthetics are not being changed significantly and the replacement window and door’s thermal performance is equal to or better than the unit it is replacing.

While planning permission may not be required, replacement windows and doors must comply with current Building Regulations, which apply to the unit’s thermal performance and other areas such as safety, air supply, means of escape and ventilation.

A big advantage of using a leading system supplier like Schüco is that a school will benefit from a quality, cost effective solution. For example, it is good practice to ensure the new window provides at least the same amount of natural light as the one it is replacing because high levels of natural light reduce the need for electric light, saving energy, while aiding students’ concentration.

Ventilation too is important. Additional opening units can often be added without significantly changing a window’s appearance. Window systems can also incorporate passive or active ventilation to ensure outside air can always enter the classroom, even with the windows closed.

Furthermore, where solar gains are likely to cause overheating, the glazing can be treated with a heat-reflective coating. Or, if the budget and the planners allow, you can also install other methods of solar control offered by Schüco, such as external louvre blades or brise soleil.

Often the best solution is to replace failed windows and doors with units made using a thermally-broken aluminium frame and energy efficient double glazed units, such as Schüco AWS 70 SC. These will have a significantly better thermal performance to improve classroom comfort in both summer and winter while helping reduce the school’s heating bill.

When replacing external doors, particularly in high traffic areas, these will need to be robust and high quality units, such as the Schüco GFT 50 entrance system. Replacement doors may need to comply with the Equalities Act 2010, which means they should have a low threshold and be wide enough to allow wheelchair access. It is worth pointing out that, should an external door opening need to be widened, planning permission may be required.

Replacement fire exit doors need to be secure yet easy to open in an emergency. Door hardware therefore needs to be positioned so as to ensure ease of operation. In fact, all windows and doors should be fitted with high security hinges and locks complying with Publicly Available Specification 24 (PAS 24) or with Secured by Design.

Schüco offers the seamless integration of door and window systems for schools. For example, the AWS 70 SC window system can be combined with the Schüco GFT 50 external door system for high traffic areas which includes an anti-finger trap solution.

 

For more information on Schüco systems visit the website, email mkinfobox@schueco.com or call 01908 282111 and ask for Russell Wallbank.

 

www.schueco.com/uk

 

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Introducing the Mobile Shower Change Trolley from Pressalit

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Pressalit, the leading Scandinavian designer of accessible bathroom solutions, has introduced a new height adjustable Shower Change Trolley, suitable for both adult and child environments in Changing Places facilities, schools or institutions.

Providing safety and comfort for both changing and assisted showering, the new Pressalit Shower Change Trolley introduces a range of innovative features helping users and their carers, including foldable safety rails on all four sides and a vertical tilt mechanism.

 

The shower and changing trolley has been created by Pressalit’s award-winning designers to combine a height adjustable changing table, with the option to use as a waterproof shower trolley. This flexibility is a valuable addition to any accessible or Changing Places bathroom, in wet or dry environments.

Introducing foldable safety rails at the head and foot of the table, as well as on both sides, improves access for two or more carers to assist a user at the same time. The easy-to-fold rails not only provide security for the patient and help prevent falls, they can promote a greater sense of ease and calm by providing a real visible definition of space. The contoured laminate rails feature black trim edges to aid the visual definition, with integrated grab handles.

Waterproof, non-slip, and quick drying, the durable mattress which is produced from high quality, PVS coated fabric, provides a comfortable lying surface, and has gable ends acting as further security. With flexi-pipe and drainage, the shower water runs off and away quickly and efficiently.

 

The Pressalit Shower Change Trolley is free-standing and will fit neatly into the bathroom. It can be moved into position next to the shower when needed, its large diameter wheels ensuring easy manoeuvrability while the user is lying on the bed. The non-slip press-down foot pedals provide a secure central locking system across all four wheels.

 

Its metal frame is lifted off the floor so that the wheels and lower frame of a mobile hoist can fit underneath if required.

 

As with all Pressalit products, hygiene is always a priority. Smooth surfaces and round edges ensure the table is easy to clean and keep safe. There is also a basket underneath the table for convenient storage of accessories.

 

With a height range of 550mm – 950mm, carers can adjust the table to suit their personal work preferences, including wheelchair transfer and minimising inappropriate lifts. It features a gentle vertical tilt, with two secure, telescopic legs. As well as user comfort, the tilt allows for efficient water egress. The height adjustable table is powered by an easy to reach battery with an intuitive hand control.

Andrew Lowndes, UK and Ireland Sales Manager for Pressalit, says, “Great care has been put into the design of the new Shower Change Trolley to ensure it not only provides a safe and secure changing and showering trolley, but with its flexibility allows users and their carers to adapt easily to individual situations.

“This is an excellent addition to the Pressalit range. Not just another blue trolley, its bespoke design has a flexible approach to care from start to finish.”

 

The Pressalit Shower Change Trolley has a maximum weight of 200kg.

 

www.pressalit.com

 

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5.5 gigawatts of clean energy by 2023

Global wind and solar company, Mainstream Renewable Power, has signed an agreement with the renewable energy investment company Aker Horizons (a wholly owned subsidiary of Aker ASA) which will take a 75% equity stake in the company, subject to regulatory approval. The deal values Mainstream at EUR1 billion (including a potential earn-out of up to EUR 100 million in 2023 and subject to customary adjustments) which represents a significant return for shareholders of up to 5.5 times investment. The agreement paves the way for a rapid acceleration of Mainstream’s global expansion plans to bring 5.5 Gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar assets to financial close by 2023.

The company, founded by Dr Eddie O’Connor in 2008, has significant interests across Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, as well as in the global offshore wind sector, with over 1.2 GW of major capital projects currently under construction. Mainstream has a major market presence in Chile, Africa, and Vietnam, as well as assets in development in other countries including the Philippines, Australia, and Colombia. The company will remain focused on delivering its ~10 GW global development pipeline and growing its portfolio in existing as well as new markets, with the full backing of the Aker ASA group.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will continue to operate as Mainstream, led by its CEO Mary Quaney and supported by its established and experienced leadership team.  Eddie O’Connor will remain as Chairman, retaining a significant minority interest in the business and all existing shareholders will have the opportunity to reinvest alongside him ahead of a planned IPO of Mainstream within the next two to three years.

Commenting on the deal, Mainstream’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mary Quaney said:

“We are delighted to have such a highly respected business as Aker Horizons on board, enabling Mainstream to materially accelerate its growth plans to deliver a global portfolio of wind and solar assets. We plan to bring 5.5 GW of renewable assets to financial close globally by 2023, which sets us firmly on track to becoming one of the world’s first pure-play renewable energy majors.”  

Mainstream’s founder and Chairman Dr Eddie O’Connor said:

“This partnership is the crucial next step in the vision we set out for Mainstream in 2008 to lead the global transition to renewable energy and rid the world of CO2 emissions. It means we can widen our scope for entry into new markets and further deepen and expand our leadership position in existing ones, such as in Chile where we will soon be supplying the equivalent of one in seven Chilean homes with power from our wind and solar facilities. Critically, Aker Horizons shares our vision, mission and values, making it the right partner for Mainstream. Together with such an exceptional partner we will strengthen our position as a leader in the global energy transition during this critical decade.”

Kristian Røkke, Chief Executive Officer of Aker Horizons, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Mainstream as we accelerate our journey of what we call planet-positive investing. Mainstream’s role as a pioneer in renewables and its strong entrepreneurial culture is a good fit as we carve out our path forward in the energy transition. Through the acquisition of Mainstream, Aker Horizons will gain a platform to drive forward its plans in renewable energy and position itself in a growing market for hybrid projects.”

Rothschild & Co acted as financial adviser to Mainstream on the Transaction and Linklaters, Byrne Wallace and Philip Lee acted as legal advisors on the Transaction.

About Mainstream Renewable Power

Mainstream Renewable Power is the world’s only independent developer of utility-scale wind and solar power assets with a global footprint. The company is focused on expanding its current development pipeline of ~10 GW of wind and solar assets across Latin America, Africa, Asia Pacific as well as the global offshore wind sector.

 

 

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