Osborne Clarke advises Downing on £300m+ UK solar investment programme with Tokyo Century

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised investment manager Downing LLP (“Downing”) on a £300m+ UK solar investment programme in conjunction with Tokyo Century Corporation (“Tokyo Century”).

Downing is an established renewable energy and infrastructure investment management firm focused on clean energy and related assets in the UK, while Tokyo Century Corporation is a global financial services group centred on investing in renewable energy projects worldwide, including a range of large-scale solar and wind assets in the UK.

This new joint venture from Downing and Tokyo Century will involve acquiring and constructing a c.500MW portfolio of utility-scale ground mounted solar projects across the UK. Projects will be sourced from Downing’s own development pipeline as well as from third-party developers, targeting grid connection dates in 2027 and 2028.

“We are delighted to be trusted by Tokyo Century with this important initiative and to have trusted Osborne Clarke to help us deliver it, building upon our longstanding close relationship.”

Tom Williams, Partner and Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Downing

“This joint venture underlines the depth of investor appetite for UK renewables and will help bring a significant new pipeline of CfD-backed solar projects to market. We’re delighted to have supported Downing on this strategic partnership.”

Matt Lewy, Partner, Osborne Clarke 

The Osborne Clarke team advising Downing included Partner Matt Lewy, Associate Director John Jarvis, Associate Director James Archer, Associate Director Bethan Moore and Associate Tim Rouse.

Osborne Clarke’s market-leading international energy and infrastructure team advises sponsors, investors, funders and developers across the full project lifecycle, with a particular focus on clean energy and the energy transition.