16th Dec 2014 07:00
Rame Energy / Index: AIM / Epic: RAME / ISIN: JE00BBD8GG53 / Sector: Energy
16 December 2014
Rame Energy plc ("Rame" or the "Company")
Update on Raki / Huajache Wind Power Project, Chile
Rame Energy plc, the Independent Power Producer, is pleased to provide the following operational update regarding its 15MW Raki / Huajache wind project ("the Project") in Chile, in which it holds a 20% equity interest alongside Santander Investment Chile Limitada ("Santander"). Raki / Huajache are two of the Company's first six wind projects in Chile totalling 133 MW that are at various stages of development.
The Company is pleased to report that significant potential savings in capital expenditure and reductions in transmission costs have been identified following recent clarifications of energy legislation in Chile. The Directors estimate that this could improve the internal rate of return ("IRR") of the Project by approximately 1.5%. As a result, Rame's IRR for the Project could increase to 17.5%.
Potential savings have been identified as follows:
· The cost of the new transformer bay at the substation that will connect Raki/Huajache to the grid will now be spread between all generators, and not borne by the Project alone because the transformer is now classed as part of the overall system and not 'additional equipment'. In addition, savings in operational expenditure of approximately USD 2million over the life of the project will also be achieved.
Whilst to date the Project has been progressing on schedule, a landslide is currently restricting the delivery of components to the Project site by turbine supplier Vestas. Consequently Vestas has elected to delay the delivery until the preferred route is cleared by the authorities as the alternative route would have incurred additional transportation costs. Clearing the preferred route could take 3 to 4 weeks and Vestas is aware that it could be held liable for liquidated damages due to the delay. Whilst turbine erection will be slightly delayed as a result, it is possible that some time will be recovered during commissioning, particularly as this process will now not experience interruption due to the festive season holidays.
Tim Adams, CEO, commented,
"We pride ourselves on completing projects on time and on budget and it is frustrating that, due to factors entirely beyond our control, there will now inevitably be a short delay in the commissioning of the turbines. That said, we do not consider the delay to be of particular material significance to the overall project timetable which is positive.
"In addition, the savings we anticipate have the strong potential to significantly enhance the Project's IRR. This will be welcome news for all our stakeholders and I look forward to providing a positive update regarding all our operational activities in the near term and of course on the commissioning of this project early in the New Year."
**ENDS**
Enquiries
Rame Energy plc | Tel: +44 (0) 1752 565638 |
Tim Adams (Chief Executive) | |
Jan Gawel (Finance Director) | |
Northland Capital Partners Limited | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7382 1100 |
Nominated Adviser and Broker | |
Matthew Johnson (Corporate Finance) | |
John Howes (Corporate Broking) | |
St Brides Media & Finance Ltd | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 |
Elisabeth Cowell / Frank Buhagiar |
Notes
Rame Energy is an experienced Independent Power Producer, providing on-grid and off-grid power solutions to industry by generating renewable energy: primarily wind and solar.
Blue chip clients include Akzo Nobel, Anglo American, Barrick Gold and Codelco.
The Company has executed its first joint venture agreement with Santander Investment Chile Limitada to co-finance its first two wind projects totalling 15 MW, in which Rame has a 20% equity participation. The debt package for the two projects is being provided by Chilean bank, Banco BICE.
Rame is targeting an operational portfolio of 300MW in Latin America within three years. The Company plans to build on its proven track record of delivering power in South America. To date, in Chile, Rame has been involved the evaluation and design of over 1GW of potential wind generation capacity, successfully permitted over 230MW and constructed over 50MW.
Related Shares:
RAME.L