Australian Group Announce UK Based Bond Offer
As the need to shift electricity consumers to cleaner, renewable energy sources becomes more pressing so does the need to build more clean energy generating assets. Today CBD Energy Limited, a growing international developer of renewable energy projects has announced plans of its intentions to construct solar and/or wind generation assets in the UK. To facilitate the development of its proposed sites, the firm announced the launch of a new Bond.
The first tranche of "˜EnergyBonds' will pay quarterly interest in cash, at a fixed rate of 7.5% per annum, and are being issued by Energy Bonds plc, a wholly-owned UK subsidiary of CBD Energy Limited ("˜CBD'), which has developed and installed renewable energy capacity generating more than 70 MW from the natural sources of the sun and the wind in locations throughout the world.
CBD, which is incorporated in Australia, operates in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency sectors. CBD is presently in the process of merging with Westinghouse Solar Inc, a US-based listed company, through a share scrip exchange - a deal which is expected to conclude by September 2013.
CBD has a long and successful track record in developing, building and operating clean energy assets globally "“ and is headed by Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Gerry McGowan, who developed "˜Impulse Airlines', Australia's first low-cost carrier (a firm sold to Qantas and later rebranded Jetstar). Commenting on the firm's plans, he said:
"At CBD, we focus on developing and building renewable energy solutions, enabling the use of clean energy in homes and businesses, across the globe. We have developed projects in places such as Thailand, US, Italy, Fiji, New Zealand and of course, Australia. By building and operating renewable energy generation assets, we aim to protect the environment and the climate, reduce dependence on energy imports, stabilise energy prices, reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency.
"We are seeking to raise up to £7.5 million with this first tranche of EnergyBonds, primarily to fund the development of utility-scale solar farms and wind farms within the UK, and to finance other overseas renewable energy projects within the Group. We are well placed to identify and develop new opportunities in solar and wind, and have already identified several sites available for development."
Mr McGowan believes EnergyBonds will help to bring new renewable energy generation to a wider audience, and that the offer represents a compelling investment opportunity. He said: "Growing numbers recognise the need to develop new, cleaner energy sources. EnergyBonds represent an excellent opportunity to make a socially responsible investment in new green energy projects, and to build a greener, cleaner future - for all of us."
EnergyBonds will be allocated on a "˜first come, first served' basis, with the minimum subscription set at £500, and multiples thereof. There is no upper limit. Those wishing to apply online should visit www.energybonds.co.uk. Applications for a maximum £10,000 (in multiples of £500) can be made and paid for online using a debit card. Credit cards cannot be accepted.