FREYR Battery (NYSE: FREY) (“FREYR” or the “Company”) today announced the closing of the Company’s acquisition of the U.S. solar manufacturing assets of Trina Solar Co Ltd. (SHA: 688599) (“Trina Solar”) in accordance with the previously communicated timeline.
Under the terms of the finalized agreement, FREYR has acquired Trina Solar’s 5 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Wilmer, Texas. The facility commenced production on November 1, 2024, and is expected to ramp up to full production by H2 2025 with 30% of estimated production volumes backed by firm offtake contracts with U.S. customers.
Highlights
• The Transaction creates a commercial and operating platform to establish a leading integrated U.S.-owned and operated solar and battery storage company with a pathway for value enhancing growth
• The transaction leverages Trina Solar’s global leadership in the solar and the renewable energy industries, established U.S. commercial presence, global supply chains, advantaged technology, and a strong track record of manufacturing and project execution for U.S. customers
• Total consideration to Trina Solar at closing comprised of $100 million of cash, $50 million repayment of an intercompany loan, $150 million loan note, 9.9% of FREYR outstanding common stock, and an $80 million convertible loan note that would convert into an additional 11.5% of FREYR outstanding common stock after certain conditions are satisfied; in addition, FREYR acquired $235 million in indebtedness in connection with the facility in Wilmer, Texas
• FREYR reiterates initial 2025 EBITDA guidance of $75 – $125 million. FREYR expects to exit 2025 at full-year run rate EBITDA of $175 – $225 million and integrated solar module/solar cell production annual run rate EBITDA of $650 – $700 million
• Ramp up activities at the Wilmer, TX solar module plant continue as scheduled. Line 1 has been completed and the commissioning on Line 2 commenced in November 2024; FREYR expects the seven-line facility to reach full production in H2 2025
• FREYR intends to submit transaction documentation in Q1 2025 to secure U.S. regulatory consents from relevant organizations, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)
• FREYR received $50 million from Encompass Capital Advisors LLC (“Encompass”) in exchange for the issuance of preferred stock in connection with this closing, and FREYR may receive an additional $50 million from Encompass upon the Company proceeding to start of construction on a solar cell manufacturing facility
• FREYR is proceeding with its site selection process for a planned U.S. solar cell facility with a start of construction anticipated in Q2 2025
FREYR is progressing with the implementation of a multi-phase strategic plan to establish a vertically integrated U.S. solar manufacturing footprint. With site selection for the planned 5 GW U.S. solar cell manufacturing plant underway, the Company is evaluating and pursuing debt and equity solutions to fund construction. FREYR is still targeting a start of construction in Q2 2025 with anticipated first solar cell production in H2 2026. The creation of a U.S.-owned and operated company that can provide a turnkey solar technology solution is expected to solve a bottleneck for developers, create up to 1,800 direct jobs, satisfy local content requirements for U.S. solar projects, and competitively differentiate FREYR.
“Today is an exciting day for FREYR. The closing of this transaction marks the start of a new chapter for the Company as we execute our strategic plan to build a U.S.-based leader in the solar and storage markets,” remarked Daniel Barcelo, FREYR’s Chairman of the Board and CEO. “We are grateful for the continued support of our shareholders, and we look forward to advancing our key objectives to create meaningful shareholder value and to enhance our competitive position in 2025, highlighted by the planned start of construction of our solar cell manufacturing facility and other project development opportunities that are emerging for FREYR and Trina to mutually pursue.”
Transaction details
In accordance with the previously disclosed terms of the transaction agreement, the total consideration to Trina Solar consists of $100 million of cash, $50 million repayment of an intercompany loan, a $150 million loan note, 9.9% of FREYR outstanding common stock, and an $80 million convertible loan note that would convert into an additional 11.5% of FREYR outstanding common stock after certain conditions are satisfied. FREYR has secured a $100 million commitment for the issuance of preferred stock to certain funds and accounts managed by Encompass, of which $50 million in preferred stock has been issued to such certain funds and accounts managed by Encompass in connection with this closing, and $14.8 million for a private placement of 7.0% of FREYR outstanding common stock to Ms. Chunyan Wu, a co-founder and significant shareholder of Trina Solar, subject to certain conditions. The funds will be used for general operational and working capital purposes.
Transaction advisors
Santander served as financial advisor, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP served as legal advisor, Arnold & Porter, Ernst & Young, Clean Energy Associates and Rystad Energy served as advisors to FREYR in support of the transaction. Dorsey & Whitney LLP served as U.S. legal advisor, CICC served as financial advisor and Deloitte served as tax advisor to Trina Solar.
About FREYR
FREYR (NYSE: FREY) is a clean energy solutions provider building an integrated U.S. supply chain for solar and batteries. In November 2024, FREYR announced a transformative transaction, positioning the Company as one of the leading solar manufacturing companies in the U.S., with a complementary solar and battery storage strategy. Based in the U.S. with plans to expand its operations in America, the company is also exploring value optimization opportunities across its portfolio of assets in Europe. To learn more about FREYR, please visit www.freyrbattery.com and follow @FREYRBattery on social media.
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