About Us

History

History

2001-2002

Recognising the need for ongoing investment in the emerging markets power sector to aid economic growth and development, the UK Government-owned development finance entity, CDC, launched Globeleq in 2002. Globeleq would maintain and expand CDC's existing portfolio of power businesses, making further acquisitions in emerging markets and working to mobilize third party capital into essential development projects.

2003

Globeleq continues to build its portfolio with investments in Peru, Bangladesh, Tanzania and South Africa. In Tanzania, the company obtains operational and ownership control of Songas.

2004

The company focuses its strategy on controlling ownership, investment and operation of power facilities in the emerging markets and divests various minority interests held in the Philippines, Argentina, the Dominion Republic and St Lucia.

In Bolivia, Globeleq acquires one of the country's largest generation companies and enters the North African market by investing in a power facility in Egypt. The Songas construction project in Tanzania is complete and commences commercial operation in mid-2004.

2005

Further investment in Egypt attains 100% ownership of the recently acquired power plant; an increased generating capacity for Songas in Tanzania and announces purchase of another 600MW in several projects in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Philippines. In an effort to improve access in the emerging markets power sectors, Globeleq invests in the Ugandan distribution company, Umeme. The company divests its minority share in a Chilean generation plant, reinforcing its portfolio strategy of majority owned and operated assets where possible.

2006

Growth is seen in Latin America with assets in Panama, El Salvador and the Dominion Republic being acquired and new generation being constructed in Peru. In Asia, the purchase of assets in Pakistan and Bangladesh are completed. Minority interests in a Guatemalan generation plant are also divested.

2007

In May 2007, Globeleq announced the sale of its assets in Latin America, North Africa and Asia. By late 2007, these companies were sold to two separate groups of infrastructure investors.

2008

Globeleq owns and holds interests in a number of operating power businesses and future opportunities for power development and investment projects in its target markets. These provide a platform for the business to develop, build and operate new power generation and pursue acquisition opportunities in the emerging markets.

2009

April – Mikael Karlsson appointed as new CEO of Globeleq.

October - The legal ownership of Globeleq was transferred from CDC to Actis Infrastructure Fund, a fund managed by Actis – the leading equity investor in emerging markets. CDC continues to be a key stakeholder in Globeleq’s business as a material investor in this fund. Legal ownership of Globeleq was transferred in 2009 from CDC to Actis Infrastructure Fund. A fund managed by Actis, the leading equity investor in emerging markets. CDC continues to be a key stakeholder in Globeleq's business as a material investor in Actis Infrastructure Fund.

November - Board approves transfer of Empower Limited, the emerging markets interim power company, from Actis to Globeleq.

2010

Globeleq announces the acquisition of a majority interest in Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy (GME), the owner, operator and leading developer of wind projects in Central America including the 102 MW Cerro de Hula wind project in Honduras.  In Africa, the company acquires additional interest in the Azito power facility in Cote d’Ivoire and its subsidiary company, Empower, commences construction of its36MW interim power facility in Mauritania.

2011

The Cerro de Hula wind farm breaks ground in Honduras and completes construction within time and budget.  Commercial operation commences in December making the wind farm the largest operating facility in the region.  Globeleq also signs Concession agreement for the Azito plant in Cote d’Ivoire to expand and convert to a more efficient generation facility and increase capacity to approx 420 MW

2012

The 102 MW Cerro de Hula wind is officially inaugurated by the President of Honduras, Sr. Porfirio Lobo.  Globeleq completes acquisition of the Eolo de Nicaragua SA 44 MW wind farm and construction begins.  In Africa, Songas receives recognition by the Tanzania Occupational Health & Safety for its contribution to health and safety awareness in the country.

 

"The performance of Globeleq to date has been impressive and demonstrates that power assets can be operated in developing countries profitably, safely and reliably"

Source: CDC publication: "Globeleq - A Force for Growth in Poor Countries"
31 July, 2008