Leading renewable energy underwriter develops $95 million of insurance capacity to meet market demands in the Middle East.
London, December 7th 2017 — Leading renewable energy insurer, GCube Underwriting Ltd, has announced that it has secured a new underwriting facility, led by reinsurer Trust Re, for the Middle Eastern clean energy markets.
GCube, supported by Trust Re and in partnership with two other influential regional backers, has developed an additional $95 million of underwriting capacity for new wind and solar projects in the region.
The first development to be completed under the new facility is a project forming part of the 1.8GW Ben Ban scheme, the largest PV development area in the world at 37km squared. The site, situated in the governorate of Aswan, comprises 41 plots, each with a power generation capacity of between 20 and 50MW.
The development of the facility has been significantly driven by domestic policy in the Middle East; Egypt is seeking to source 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2022, while Saudi Arabia has a target of 9GW of installed capacity by 2023. These targets owe their existence to the international movement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the recognition of the need to diversify away from low oil prices.
In turn, foreign investors and project developers drawn to the region by this target growth form a major driving force behind the facility. Ambitious targets, combined with the region’s limited track record in developing utility-scale solar projects, have created demand from developers for comprehensive insurance solutions.
GCube’s facility will be deployed to manage project risks during construction and operations.
“The Middle Eastern solar markets are showing significant potential, with a large pipeline of projects across the region,” said Rosa van Reyk, Underwriter at GCube.
“We see a strong opportunity to support the growth of clean energy in the region by providing a range of different underwriting services, with products that we’ve specifically developed from our experience of supporting the sector in emerging markets.”
“By partnering with regional providers, we’re able to support such ambitious projects as the Ben Ban development, and we are continuing to work with our partners to make GCube’s coverage as comprehensive as possible, all of which will help to drive safe innovation in the renewables sector,” van Reyk added.
“Since 2008, by establishing an Alternative Energy Department, Trust Re has been very confident about the investment and development of this sector,” commented Kamal Tabaja, GCOO of Trust Re.
“We are very pleased to partner with GCube to deliver value and support to clients in the region.”
About GCube
GCube is the leading provider of insurance services for renewable energy projects in wind, solar, biofuels, wave, hydro and tidal around the globe.
Its specialized focus and robust underwriting authority offers unparalleled marine, property, liability and political risk insurance coverage for all renewable energy risks. With over 25 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, GCube understands the unique exposures of these power generation projects and assists its clients in identifying, quantifying and mitigating risk efficiently and economically while helping them achieve their business objectives.
To learn more about how we can support your insurance coverage requirements, please visit our website at www.gcube-insurance.com.
About Trust Re
Trust Re, full name Trust International Insurance and Reinsurance Company B.S.C.(c) is a closed joint stock company registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with authorised capital of USD 500 million, and issued and paid-up capital of USD 250 million.
The company comprises over 280 employees located in the head office in Bahrain, branch offices in Cyprus and Labuan, Malaysia, a representative office in Morocco, and a liaison office in India.
Trust Re covers the Middle East, Africa, Asia, CEE, SEE, Russia and CIS countries. It is classified as a highly reliable security (S&P: A- and A.M. Best: A-), and writes both life and non-life business on a Facultative & Treaty basis.
To learn more about Trust Re, please visit the website at www.trustre.com
