New York, NEW YORK — March 13, 2024 — Diversified energy company CleanCapital and Sunrise Mountain Partners, a developer of renewable energy projects, announced today a significant expansion of the companies’ strategic co-development partnership. The arrangement expands upon the partnership’s continued success since 2022 and accelerates the parties’ investment into and development of local, community-based solar projects that provide economic benefits and clean energy to communities. 

In less than two years, the strategic alliance between Sunrise Mountain Partners and CleanCapital has already resulted in over 35 projects in three states. Sunrise Mountain contributes its expertise in siting, developing and permitting projects; CleanCapital provides the necessary capital and market knowledge for each project and will have primary responsibility for construction, project financing, and long-term operations. By combining their respective expertise and resources, the companies are laying the groundwork for dozens of community solar farms in several states that will deliver an estimated 350 million kilowatt hours of clean energy to local communities annually, while generating local tax revenues and creating hundreds of jobs across the country. 

The expanded partnership with Sunrise Mountain Partners is the latest in a series of investments that cement CleanCapital’s broader foray into clean energy development. Since its acquisition of landfill and brownfield developer BQ Energy in 2022, CleanCapital has also announced partnerships with Alaska-based developer Renewable IPP and pure-play energy storage developer Available Power. In all, CleanCapital’s pipeline of solar and storage projects comprises more than 2 GW.  

Paul Curran, Chief Development Officer at CleanCapital, stated: “We are excited to expand our collaboration with Sunrise Mountain Partners to develop a greater number of projects together in several core markets. This partnership represents a significant step towards our goal of accelerating the flow of institutional capital into grid-critical projects to advance the nation’s clean energy transition.”  

Nicholas Minekime, CEO and Founder of Sunrise Mountain Partners, emphasized, “CleanCapital has been a great partner for the last two years.  This expanded agreement accelerates our collaboration through increased financial resources and a long-term commitment to project development. Together, we are empowering local communities across America with greater choice, good-paying jobs, and reduced electric bills.” 

Sunrise Mountain was founded in 2021 by Nicholas Minekime, a clean energy veteran with a successful track record of developing, owning and operating solar farms. The firm’s representatives have been involved in the development, ownership, and operations of over 70 solar farms nationally, representing over $1.2 billion of projects in 16 states. The firm operates from its offices in Dublin, Ohio; Stamford, Connecticut; and Modesto, California. 

CleanCapital engaged Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe as Buyer’s counsel on this transaction. 

Verdonck Partners LLC advised Sunrise Mountain on the transaction.  Pierce Atwood LLP served as Sunrise Mountain’s legal counsel.  

Patrick Verdonck, CEO of Verdonck Partners, mentioned, “It was a pleasure working with Nick Minekime and his team. Their thoughtful approach to developing solar projects and, in particular, their willingness to work closely with all stakeholders, makes them attractive partners to landowners and to the local communities in which they are developing solar farms.” 

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CleanCapital is a diversified clean energy company focused on the middle-market solar and storage industry. Mission-driven to mitigate the climate crisis, CleanCapital leads the energy transition with strategic investments in early-stage, new construction, and operating renewables projects and development partners. To date, the company has invested $1 billion in projects and companies, including the acquisition of BQ Energy, a national leader in landfill and brownfield renewable energy development. The company has successfully acquired and managed over 230 operating and new construction projects in 26 states and one U.S. territory, totaling 460 MW. More information about CleanCapital can be found at https://cleancapital.com/ 

Sunrise Mountain Partners builds partnerships with landowners and their communities. We develop, build, and operate sun farms that provide clean electricity and economic benefits to local communities. The firm operates from its offices in Dublin, Ohio; Indianapolis; Stamford, Connecticut; and Modesto, California. For more information, see SunriseMountainPartners.com