First published on the Cleantech Investor website, 21 September 2011

The Brazilian wind energy auctions were recognized as the Landmark Renewable Deal of the Year at the 2011 Euromoney Renewable Energy Finance Awards last night. Brazil has held a series of energy auctions, including dedicated wind energy auctions. This year it held an auction in which wind competed head to head against fossil fuels – resulting in wind energy being contracted at prices below those for natural gas.

The award, which was received on behalf of Brazil by Daniel Costa Fernandes, the head of the commercial section of the Brazilian Embassy in London, recognizes deals with what is described as the ‘wow’ factor. The award was presented by Jamie Fergusson of IFC who commented that the deals nominated “continue to prove that over time renewable energy can evolve into a market that shows cohesion and strength through its ability to innovate, challenge and persevere”. Other deals nominated included the Shepards Flat offshore wind farm financing and funding rounds by BrightSource and Next Era.

The awards ceremony took place at a cocktail reception following the first day of the annual Renewable Energy Finance Forum in London. Delegates voted at the event for the Landmark Deal category – and the Brazilian auction system won by a large margin. Other deals nominated included the Shepards Flat offshore wind farm financing and funding rounds by BrightSource and Next Era. The landmark deal was awarded to the Crown Estate for the Pentland Firth tidal energy round last year.

The Leadership Award this year went to Peter Hobson of the European Bank for Regional Development (EBRD). This award recognizes an individual whose involvement in clean energy over the course of their career reaches above and beyond the norm. Peter was recognized as having shown an impressive lifelong contribution to clean energy. Peter has been at the forefront of the energy efficiency sector in many emerging markets including Eastern Europe and he continues to venture in to new territory with his more recent work in Russia. Also nominated for this award, and receiving a special mention from the judges, was Michelle Davies from Eversheds for her impressive effort in front running in the renewable energy space.
 
Winners in the other categories are listed below:

Lender of the Year – Unicredit
Equity Provider of the Year – Foresight Group
Corporate Developer of the Year – Abengoa
Entrepreneurial Developer of the Year – SolarCity
Law Firm of the Year – Allen & Overy