TenneT Holding announces that it has reached agreement with three large institutional investors in Europe regarding their investment in TenneT Germany: APG (investing on behalf of Dutch pension fund ABP), Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC and Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). With this transaction TenneT and its sole shareholder the Dutch state secure the equity requirement for the expansion of TenneT Germany’s high-voltage grid for the years to come.
Combined, the three investors will inject 9.5 billion Euro of new equity until 2029 and will collectively own 46 percent of the company. TenneT Germany is today fully owned by TenneT Holding, which again is fully owned by the Dutch state. TenneT Holding will remain a large shareholder in TenneT Germany.
Manon van Beek, CEO of TenneT Holding, said: “We are truly pleased to have achieved a structural solution for TenneT Germany’s equity need and I eagerly look forward to partnering with these highly reputable investors. With this financing solution, TenneT remains Europe’s leading cross-border TSO, a key player in system integration, offshore wind connections and market innovation.
This announcement marks the end of an intense period during which we have separated our Dutch and German operations within the group, implemented a new funding structure for TenneT Netherlands and secured equity funding for TenneT Germany. I am proud of all my colleagues and our close collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Finance throughout the process. We will continue our full focus on securing access to reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity supply.”
The transaction with these partners will deepen European integration in the energy market and strengthen Dutch, German and European economies. TenneT Netherlands and TenneT Germany will continue to cooperate on strategic areas, such as the 2GW programme, designed to roll-out the offshore grid, thereby preserving mutually beneficial synergies.
The contemplated transaction is the result of a thorough assessment of TenneT and the Dutch state as TenneT’s sole shareholder. TenneT and the Ministry of Finance have jointly concluded that a private placement of shares is the best solution. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory clearances and is expected to take place in the first half of 2026.
Ronald Wuijster, CEO APG Asset Management: “This investment serves multiple strategic goals. By acquiring a stake in TenneT Germany—a stable, regulated infrastructure asset in an AAA-rated country—we secure a relatively low-risk investment with stable long-term cashflows for our client ABP and our partners. Additionally, it is an impact investment which supports Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and strengthens Europe’s infrastructure autonomy. This shows our expertise in large-scale infrastructure deals and our commitment towards helping our clients and partners reach their goals.”
Speaking to The Voice of Renewables, Boon Chin Hau, Chief Investment Officer, Infrastructure at GIC, said: “GIC is excited to be a part of the next phase of TenneT Germany’s growth. We look forward to partnering with NBIM, APG, TenneT Holding and TenneT Germany to ensure TenneT Germany remains a leading transmission system operator. As a long-term investor, GIC is confident that with Germany’s collaborative and transparent approach to regulation, TenneT Germany will continue to play an important role in Europe’s continued, strong push towards decarbonization.”
Asked by The Voice of Renewables, Harald von Heyden, Global Head of Energy & Infrastructure NBIM said: “This investment demonstrates our commitment to financing the energy transition. We are excited to partner with TenneT Holding, APG and GIC to support the growth of TenneT Germany. TenneT Germany’s transmission grid is essential for delivering renewable energy where it’s needed in Europe’s largest economy.”
The German state has expressed interest in a potential investment in TenneT Germany, and both TenneT and the Dutch state have indicated they are open to this. Accordingly, TenneT intends to engage in discussions in the coming period with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), acting on behalf of the German state, regarding such a potential investment by KfW in TenneT Germany alongside TenneT and the institutional investors.
In April, TenneT has announced a new funding structure whereby TenneT Netherlands will raise the financing required for the Dutch TSO business and TenneT Germany for the German TSO business. The first step in a stand-alone financing structure for TenneT Germany has been the signing of a EUR 12 billion Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) with BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING and UniCredit as underwriters. The RCF has a tenor of five years with two extension options of one year each and is one of the largest corporate RCFs in Europe.
TenneT was advised on the transaction by ABN AMRO Bank and Lazard as financial advisors and by De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek and Hengeler Mueller as legal advisors. The institutional investors were advised on the transaction by RBC Capital Markets as financial advisor and Clifford Chance as legal advisor.
