AESL Raises USD 1 Billion Via QIP Route, Largest In India’s Power Sector

Adani Energy Solutions Limited (“AESL”), today said it has successfully completed its INR 8,373 crores (USD 1 billion) Qualified Institutional Placement (“QIP”), the largest in India’s power sector. This milestone underscores AESL’s prominent position as a leader in India’s energy transition solutions and highlights investors’ confidence in the country’s power sector outlook.

This QIP marks AESL’s first equity raise in the capital market since its demerger and listing from Adani Enterprises Limited (“AEL”) in July 2015. AESL’s consistent double-digit EBITDA growth since 2016 is a testament to the successful incubation model of AEL.

The transaction was launched post-market hours on 30 July 2024 with a base deal size of INR 5,861 crore (USD 700 million) and included a green shoe option to size up to INR 8,373 crore (USD 1 billion).

The QIP saw overwhelming demand, receiving bids of approximately 6x of the base deal size from a diverse group of investors, including utility-focused US investors entering India for the first time, sovereign wealth funds, major Indian mutual funds, and insurance companies. This strong interest enabled AESL to fully exercise the green shoe option, raising the total issue size to USD 1 billion.

AESL has emerged as a pivotal player in India’s energy transition solutions, duly focusing on key areas such as:

• Renewable Power Transmission: Investments in projects like Khavda in Gujarat and in Rajasthan for bulk renewable power evacuation.
• Renewable Power Penetration: Distributing 37% renewable power in Mumbai and growing this further.
• Energy Efficiency: Leading India’s smart meter installation program and partnering with Industrial and Commercial establishments for efficiency improvement programs.
• Cooling Solutions: Investing in energy intensity reduction in line with India’s commitments, through innovative Cooling as a Solution (CaaS) offerings.
• Dispatchable Renewable Energy: Providing reliable renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers, as a retail energy partner of choice.

Also read: Adani Reveals $213 Billion Succession Strategy Amid Ongoing Scrutiny

The proceeds from the QIP will be utilized for:

• Investment in Transmission Assets:Building the bulk evacuation corridors for renewable power.
• Smart Metering Business: Enhancing energy efficiency and improving network planning.
• Debt Repayment: Reducing indebtedness.
• General Corporate Purposes: Strengthening overall corporate activities.

“India’s robust investment cycle and rising power demand are positive indicators for the power sector. The strong interest from institutional investors reflects their commitment to and belief in India’s energy transition, in which AESL plays a pivotal role. AESL is revolutionizing the delivery of electricity to end consumers in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable manner, contributing significantly to India’s energy transition. The overwhelming response to our QIP reflects the strong confidence that investors have in our robust business model, execution capabilities, and effective capital allocation strategy, driving strong growth and exceptional shareholder value,” said Mr. Kandarp Patel, Chief Executive Officer of AESL.

Advisors and Managers:

• Advisor to AESL: Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
• Book Running Lead Managers: SBI Capital Markets Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, and ICICI Securities Limited.
• Legal Counsel to AESL as to Indian law: Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
• Legal Counsels to the Book Running Lead Managers as to Indian law and International law: Trilegal and Latham & Watkins LLP respectively.