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Two Renewables Developers Plan £450 Million IPOs

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Two renewables developers are preparing to list on the London Stock Exchange in the third quarter of 2025, with combined initial public offerings (IPOs) expected to raise around £450 million.

The listings are set to attract significant attention from investors as the global transition towards clean energy accelerates, underlined by commitments to net zero targets and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives.

This article will examine the specifics of the upcoming IPOs, positioning these floats within the current context of the renewables sector, and outline ways for investors to gain exposure via subscription, thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or pre-IPO mechanisms.

Details of the IPOs

One of the firms set to list is a UK-based solar energy developer with an established track record of deploying utility-scale solar farms across Europe. The company plans to raise £250 million through its IPO to fund the expansion of its projects in southern Europe, where demand for utility-scale solar is surging due to favourable weather conditions, supportive legislation, and increasing energy independence efforts.

Backed by a consortium of private equity groups and institutional investors, the company has demonstrated consistent operational excellence, achieving annualised returns of over 12 percent in the past five years. Its pre-IPO valuation is pegged at £850 million, reflecting optimism about its growth trajectory amidst high demand for solar installations.

Solar Developer

The solar developer aims to leverage its expertise and institutional backing to expand rapidly, targeting regions with the highest forecasted solar irradiance and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Wind Energy Specialist

The second listing comes from a wind energy specialist primarily focusing on offshore wind development in the North Sea. Anticipated to raise £200 million, the firm intends to use the proceeds to accelerate its pipeline of offshore projects in the UK and the Netherlands. Proceeds will also help fund innovative turbine technologies, aimed at reducing operational costs and increasing efficiencies.

Founded in 2014, the company has received widespread support from sovereign wealth funds and green-energy investment vehicles. Pre-IPO valuations place the firm at approximately £700 million. Its leadership has positioned the listing as a commitment to scaling up renewable energy deployment in Europe, underlining the strategic relevance of offshore wind in meeting climate targets.

Renewables Sector Context

A Robust Pipeline

The renewable energy sector remains integral to meeting global commitments, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimating that annual global investment in renewables must triple by 2035 to meet net zero goals. IPOs in the renewable energy space have seen a resurgence, with 2025 poised to be a pivotal year for capital raising in this sector.

Both firms' entries into the public market come against a backdrop of increasing project pipelines across Europe. Wind and solar developers have announced over 250 gigawatts of new capacity additions scheduled for development by 2030, with capital requirements exceeding £275 billion. This heightened activity offers myriad opportunities for investors to allocate capital towards sustainable infrastructure.

Rising Demand and ESG Alignment

Investor demand for renewable-focused securities has been buoyed by ESG mandates and shifting preferences among institutional and retail investors alike. Renewable energy companies, which combine the promise of high-growth potential with clear ESG alignment, often command premium valuations.

Thematic investing, particularly via renewables-focused funds or green ETFs, has further amplified interest. For instance, assets under management in renewable energy-focused ETFs have grown by 32 percent year-to-date compared to 2024, marking a substantial increase in attention towards sustainability.

Regulatory Tailwinds

Supportive policy measures across the EU and the UK, such as subsidies for clean energy projects and enhanced carbon pricing mechanisms, have also bolstered the sector's investment case. The EU Green Deal alone is forecast to incentivise approximately €1 trillion towards sustainable initiatives over the next decade, demonstrating the level of public funding converging with private capital to accelerate the green transition.

Getting Positioned

IPO Subscriptions

For investors aiming to directly participate in these listings, subscribing to the IPOs could be a compelling avenue. Early access to such IPOs can provide enhanced upside potential, aligning with long-term growth as the firms scale their operations. Investors should monitor announcements from leading brokerage platforms and underwriters involved with these offerings to secure subscriptions ahead of the public listing dates.

Key considerations when subscribing to IPOs include evaluating the issuing company's financial history, growth prospects, debt levels, and leadership credentials. Both developers have disclosed robust financials and strategic growth plans, with additional details expected to emerge in their forthcoming prospectuses.

Thematic ETFs

Thematic ETFs offer an easier way for investors to gain exposure to renewable energy developers, both pre and post-IPO. For instance, funds focused on clean or renewable energy typically include companies operating across solar, wind, and hydrogen technologies.

Popular ETFs aimed at green energy investors include iShares Global Clean Energy ETF and L&G Clean Energy ETF, both of which have delivered consistent returns and feature diverse portfolios. These instruments provide sector-aligned exposure along with mitigated single-company risk, catering to investors who prefer diversified holdings over concentrated exposures.

Pre-IPO Investment Vehicles

Institutional and high-net-worth investors may consider investing in pre-IPO funds or private placements, which offer discounted entry points ahead of public listings. These investment options often come with lockup periods and are typically offered by venture capital or private equity funds specialising in renewable energy infrastructure. While this strategy carries higher risk, it also provides opportunities for outsized returns.

Tactical IPO-Play Ideas

Follow the ESG Momentum

Investors prioritising alignment with ESG goals may consider subscribing to these IPOs based on their green credentials. Solar energy and offshore wind represent high-demand subsectors with established frameworks for continued growth, making these developers attractive additions to ESG-aligned portfolios.

Utilise a Barbell Strategy

A barbell approach involves complementing direct IPO subscriptions with diversified positions via renewable energy ETFs. This strategy balances the higher opportunity of select IPO allocations with consistent, diversified performance typical of ETFs, offering both concentrated exposure and stability.

Stay Ahead with Advisor’s Gateway’s fortnightly newsletter to stay informed about upcoming floats, expert IPO strategies, and the latest trends shaping global markets. Be among the first to identify timely opportunities in the renewables sector.

Ms. Evelyn Spencer
Ms. Evelyn Spencer
Senior Financial Correspondent
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