Statkraft's district heating business sold to experienced owners

Core Insights - Statkraft has signed an agreement to sell its district heating business, Statkraft Varme, to a consortium owned by Patrizia SE and Nordic Infrastructure AG for NOK 3.6 billion, marking a significant step in the company's strategy to focus on hydropower, wind power, solar energy, and batteries [1][4] Company Overview - Statkraft Varme has been involved in energy recovery and district heating since 1982, operating 13 locations in Norway and Sweden, and delivering approximately 1.2 TWh of energy annually to over 40,000 customers [3] - Statkraft is a leading international company in hydropower and Europe's largest supplier of renewable energy, with around 7,000 employees across more than 20 countries [7] Strategic Focus - The sale of the district heating business will free up capital for Statkraft to invest in prioritized areas such as hydropower and wind power, aligning with the company's long-term strategy [1][4] - The district heating sector is recognized as a crucial component of the green energy system and the transition to a circular economy, utilizing surplus energy to enhance power grid capacity [2] Buyer Profile - Patrizia SE and Nordic Infrastructure AG have extensive experience in the district heating market, with Patrizia already owning and operating several energy-related companies in Norway [5][6] - Patrizia manages approximately EUR 56 billion in assets and focuses on investment opportunities in real estate and infrastructure, driven by trends in digital, urban, energy, and housing sectors [8] Regulatory Aspects - The sale is subject to approval by the competition authorities in Norway and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year [6]