Asia-Pacific real asset manager ESR has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Aquila Clean Energy APAC from Hamburg-based investment firm Aquila Group. The clean energy platform develops, owns and operates solar, battery storage and wind assets across the region.

Rising power consumption and industrial decarbonisation are making clean energy vital to data centres and logistics real estate. This transaction positions ESR across these connected sectors while expanding its real asset investment solutions.

The target business brings a 1.6 GW portfolio spanning operational, construction and advanced development sites. Key regional markets include Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The acquisition strengthens ESR’s existing solar and battery pipeline while matching its wider footprint.

Phil Pearce, President of ESR, said: “ESR has entered its next phase of growth with a clear focus on the sectors that underpin resilient supply chains, digital economies, and long-term economic development. As demand for logistics infrastructure, data centres, and power becomes increasingly interconnected, we see significant opportunities at the intersection of these sectors, with energy infrastructure becoming an increasingly compelling area for long-term capital deployment.”

Apurv Choudhary, Group Head of Infrastructure, ESR, added: “Aquila Clean Energy APAC brings an experienced team and a high-quality and diversified renewables portfolio across key Asia-Pacific markets, which is strategically adjacent to ESR’s footprint. Leveraging ESR’s platform capabilities, we intend to significantly scale the Aquila Clean Energy platform while maintaining a strong focus on returns and execution discipline, creating an attractive investment opportunity for our capital partners.”

The transaction should complete by Q1 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Following completion, ESR plans to work with local management to accelerate growth across the regional platform.

Roman Rosslenbroich, CEO and Co-founder, Aquila Group, said: “I am very proud of what the Aquila Clean Energy APAC team has built: a clean energy platform spanning solar, wind and battery storage across the most attractive markets in Asia-Pacific. That ESR, one of the leading real asset owners in the region, has chosen to acquire this platform is a strong recognition of Aquila Group’s ability to attract talented management teams and build category-leading industrial platforms. ESR is a strong owner for this business, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to this success over the years.”