Jeffrey Chester from Morrison & Foerster discusses renewable energy investments - Global Banking & Finance Review
Image of Jeffrey Chester, a project finance partner at Morrison & Foerster, highlighting his role in securing key tax equity investment for BayWa r.e.'s Brahms Wind Project in New Mexico.
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MORRISON & FOERSTER

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on June 9, 2014

3 min read

· Last updated: April 28, 2020

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Morrison & Foerster Represents Renewable Energy Developer BayWa r.e. in Securing Key Tax Equity Investment for Wind Farm in New Mexico

19.8 megawatt Brahms Wind Project is third wind farm launched by BayWa r.e. in U.S.

Morrison & Foerster Advises on BayWa r.e. Wind Project

In a noteworthy renewable energy transaction, Morrison & Foerster has represented prominent California renewables firm BayWa r.e. Wind LLC in securing a key tax equity investment for a wind farm project in New Mexico.

BayWa r.e. secured its investment in the Brahms Wind Project from an affiliate of San Francisco-based Union Bank, N.A.  Located in Curry County, NM, the 19.8 megawatt Brahms wind farm commenced commercial operation this past February.

BayWa r.e. Project Portfolio and Financing Milestone

In addition to the Brahms project, BayWa r.e. has developed – and self-funded – wind projects in Texas and California.  The Brahms wind farm marked the company’s first tax equity financing.

Jeffrey Chester

Jeffrey Chester

Key Deal Team and Advisors Involved

Morrison & Foerster’s deal team was led by Los Angeles-based project finance partner Jeffrey Chester, a leader in the firm’s renewable energy group.  Mr. Chester regularly advises leading sponsors, lenders, investors and developers in major renewables projects.  He’s represented stakeholders in capital markets transactions involving more than 70 wind and solar projects throughout the United States.

Additional team members advising BayWa r.e. included MoFo federal tax partner Michelle Jewett, of counsel Elizabeth Sluder and associate Julie Schiesel.

Bay Wa r.e. is a turn-key developer/operator of renewable energy projects across North America; the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of German energy provider BayWa A.G.

Expertise in Wind and Renewable Energy Law

MoFo Renewable Energy Note:

Morrison & Foerster has one of the nation’s leading practices devoted to the development and financing of wind power and other renewable energy projects. Our lawyers have played a key role in the inception and development of the equity, debt and capital markets for wind power projects, representing many of the industry’s leaders. Our lawyers have successfully closed transactions of over 10,000 MW throughout the U.S. and across a range of technologies through the entire development and finance chain on behalf of developers, sponsors, lenders and equity providers, efficiently and cost effectively.

The firm counsels on all aspects of wind energy development and finance, including tax structuring, project finance and mergers and acquisitions. We have substantial experience in negotiating and structuring power purchase agreements, wind turbine supply agreements and warranties, including project specific and frame agreements, interconnection and transmission, balance of plant EPC contracts, land acquisition programs, environmental compliance, purchase and sale of wind projects, project pipelines and purchase and sale of wind development companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Morrison & Foerster advised BayWa r.e. in securing its first tax equity financing for the Brahms Wind Project in New Mexico.
  • The 19.8 MW wind farm located in Curry County, NM, began commercial operation in February (year unspecified).
  • Union Bank affiliate provided the key tax equity investment, enabling project execution.
  • Morrison & Foerster’s project finance team was led by partner Jeffrey Chester, supported by Michelle Jewett, Elizabeth Sluder and Julie Schiesel.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Brahms Wind Project?
A 19.8 MW wind farm located in Curry County, New Mexico, developed by BayWa r.e. and operational as of last February.
Who provided the tax equity financing?
An affiliate of Union Bank, N.A. provided the key tax equity investment for the project.
Who led Morrison & Foerster’s deal team?
Los Angeles-based project finance partner Jeffrey Chester led the deal team, with support from Michelle Jewett, Elizabeth Sluder and Julie Schiesel.
Has BayWa r.e. self-funded other U.S. projects?
Yes, BayWa r.e. previously developed and self-funded wind projects in Texas and California.

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