Ardian announced a definitive agreement today to acquire 100% of Energia Group from I Squared Capital. This NSM acquisition is a pivotal moment in Ireland’s energy transformation trajectory. Energia currently provides about 17% of the island’s overall electricity requirements. This union is expected to improve Ardian’s portfolio, given that both companies are committed to energy transitioning and sustainable practices. Still pending regulatory approvals, this transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
Energia is an important player in Ireland’s energy sphere, providing roughly one fifth of the country’s total wind energy generation. The company has a presence along the full energy value chain in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It stubbornly, and proudly, serves close to 900,000 homes and businesses. One of those renewable energy sources is wind power, which plays a key role in Ireland’s ambitious plans to become a low-carbon economy.
Strategic Growth and Innovation
Ardian is looking forward to deploying its proven core expertise in infrastructure and energy. Their interests align with assisting the growth of Energia, targeting primarily renewables and data centers. Energia has taken the path of least resistance as far as integrating energy utilities with the digital infrastructure. This creative strategy integrates deployment of hyperscale data centers with renewable energy production.
William Briggs, managing director at Ardian, emphasized the significance of this acquisition:
“Energia is at the forefront of the convergence between energy utilities and digital infrastructure. The company’s pioneering approach to combining hyperscale data centre development with new renewable energy generation will unlock significant opportunities for growth in Ireland.”
Energia is powering up its own capabilities, constructing a new 165 MW data center in Dublin. To do this, they are partnering with a leading global technology company. This new venture is a testament to the company’s focus on marrying digital infrastructure with sustainable energy innovations.
Addressing Growing Energy Demands
As Ireland continues to electrify quickly and demand grows from new technologies such as EVs, Energia is well poised to meet these challenges head on. The company has an impressive pipeline of wind, solar and battery energy storage assets. These technologies are critical to meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable, secure, low-carbon electricity.
“Energia’s focus remains on transforming Ireland’s energy system by deploying renewables and other low-carbon solutions at scale,” stated Ian Thom, CEO of Energia.
“We are grateful for I Squared’s support over the past nine years and the strong, future-ready platform we have built together. Ireland is at a pivotal point, with rapid electrification, growing demand from new technologies, and global investment in digital infrastructure all accelerating.”
Together, Ardian’s resources and Energia’s innovative strategies make a powerful combination. Together, they are well-positioned to weather the continuing transformation of the energy landscape and assist Ireland in reaching its ambitious sustainability targets.
Future Prospects
With Ardian’s long-term support, Energia looks forward to continuing its strong growth path. The purchase represents a monumental change in ownership. It further highlights our commitment to continuing to bring more sustainable energy solutions to residents across the island. The partnership is intended to strengthen the two firms’ overall competencies in delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to their customers.