Renergen seals R1bn investment from state-owned Central Energy Fund

According to a Sens announcement released on Monday the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is to invest R1 billion into domestic natural gas and helium producer Renergen’s Virginia Gas Project.

The Central Energy Fund, whose investment mandate focuses on contributing to local energy security, will also gain a 10% stake in Renergen’s subsidiary Tetra4, a division which wholly owns the project in the Free State.

The investment follows Renergen’s announcement of a R200 million funding offer from Ivanhoe Mines to upscale the Virginia Gas Project two weeks ago.

In addition to the fund deal, Ivanhoe secured a 4.35% shareholding with the option to acquire a controlling stake should it opt to provide an equity funding of $250 million (about R3 billion).

According to the helium producer, the partnership comes at a desired time as Phase 1 operations at the Virginia Gas Project are due to commence in April.

Commenting on the agreement between the two parties, CEO of Renergen, Stefano Marani says: “I, along with the Renergen board and management team look forward to building on the strong strategic partnership with CEF as we embark on Phase 1 operations in April and establishing Virginia as a significant domestic and global gas producer.”

“To sign CEF and Ivanhoe Mines in the space of two weeks as major investors and strategic partners, highlights the significant growth of the company and the critical role Virginia will play in the future supply of clean energy as well as in-demand helium,” Marani adds.

CEF CEO Dr Ishmael Poolo notes that the group’s involvement in the project is in line with its newly-adopted strategy of being a strategic investor in the energy value chain which is aimed at supporting the region’s energy needs.

Renergen’s share price was up 10.6% to R43.50 on Monday.

Palesa Mofokeng is a Moneyweb intern.