Expanding Access to Clean Energy for New Jersey Communities
Tackling climate change will require not just serious commitment, but significant capital – $100 trillion by 2050, according to experts’ estimates. This challenge presents investors with a tremendous opportunity to generate value by backing the industries, infrastructure and innovations that will power a stronger, more sustainable future.
That’s why we’re thrilled to participate in the New Jersey Community Solar Energy Pilot Program. We saw a chance not only to create value by championing clean energy, but also to act as a convener, bringing together portfolio companies in different industries to form an innovative partnership.
The program unites Link Logistics, formed by Blackstone in 2019 and operator of the largest portfolio of high-quality logistics real estate assets located exclusively in the U.S., and Altus Power, a leading clean electrification company backed by Blackstone since 2014. Together, Link and Altus will transform empty warehouse rooftops across New Jersey into community solar projects, advancing the state’s ambitious renewable power plans and removing nearly 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. The projects will be located on the rooftops of Link Logistics’ commercial and industrial facilities and installed and owned by Altus. They will also include electric vehicle charging stations at each facility.
In addition to demonstrating Blackstone’s commitment to sustainability and conviction in the investment opportunities presented by the energy transition, this project enables Link and Altus to accelerate value creation by benefitting the local communities they serve. Both companies have a longstanding presence in New Jersey, and we anticipate that the solar panels will generate approximately 35 megawatts (MW) of clean energy. This energy will be made available to over 6,000 local customers at a discount, lowering energy costs and expanding access to solar power. More than half will be allocated to historically underserved populations, connecting low- and middle-income households throughout the state with affordable renewable power.
The New Jersey program is just one example of how Blackstone portfolio companies are helping drive the energy transition. With the support of Blackstone, Altus has developed, acquired and financed over 350 MW of solar power across 18 states. Link Logistics, meanwhile, is building an ESG program with goals that include adding 300 MW of new solar capacity by 2024 and achieving carbon neutral operations by 2025. Link seeks to be the partner of choice for tenants seeking to lower their carbon footprint and ultimately their operating costs.
More broadly, Blackstone has committed ~$16 billion in investments since 2019 that we believe are consistent with the broader energy transition, and we see an opportunity to invest an estimated $100 billion across our businesses in energy transition and climate change solutions over the next decade. We’re also working to reduce carbon emissions by 15% in aggregate across new investments where we control the energy usage over the next three years. These efforts reflect our belief that sustainability makes our businesses stronger and more resilient, which in turn unlocks value for our investors.
We’re committed to helping our portfolio companies navigate the energy transition by utilizing our capital, global reach and long-term investing expertise. Together with our portfolio companies, we believe we can deliver value by accelerating the transition to a lower-carbon future and expanding access to clean, affordable energy.
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All figures as of March 31, 2022, unless otherwise indicated.
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While Blackstone believes ESG factors can enhance long-term value, Blackstone generally does not pursue an ESG-based investment strategy or limit its investments to those that meet specific ESG criteria or standards. Any reference herein to environmental or social considerations is not intended to qualify our objectives to maximize risk-adjusted returns.