NextEnergy Capital announces the realisation of a 1.0 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant in the Apulia region

London, May 10^th, 2010 –  NextEnergy Capital (“NEC”), the London-based merchant bank focused on the European renewable energy sector, completed the construction of a fixed 1.0 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant in the proximity of Taranto (San Giorgio Jonico) in the Apulia region, through the SPV NextPower 8 S.r.l. (“NP8”).

The debt financing has been provided by Leasint, part of the IntesaSanpaolo Group, by mean of a leasing contract.

This plant, 100% owned by NEC, was realised by TerniEnergia. TerniEnergia, listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (TER.IM), is a leading Italian operator in the engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic power plants. TerniEnergia and NEC have a construction pipeline totaling 15 MWp to be completed through 2010-11, for a total investment of €70 million. The construction of 2 additional power plants of 1.0 MWp each will be finalised shortly by NP8, in accordance with the present agreement.

“The San Giorgio Jonico plant represents the first result of the TerniEnergia–NEC partnership and a further step in boosting our presence in the Mediterranean area and increasing our leadership in the Italian photovoltaic market, one of the most attractive markets in the renewable energy space,” said Michael F.H. Bonte-Friedheim, co-founder and co-CEO of NEC.