Igneo makes three acquisitions, launches energy platform

Igneo Infrastructure Partners has launched a dedicated Australian distributed energy platform, Vertis Energy, alongside a series of acquisitions that will provide the business with an initial portfolio of 46 MW of solar assets.

The global infrastructure manager, which oversees $34.5 billion in assets, has also appointed former CWP Renewables and Squadron Energy executive Jason Willoughby as chief executive of Vertis.

The platform's launch follows binding agreements to acquire Green Square Energy from Future Group for more than $50 million, as well as two follow-on acquisitions, with completion expected in late 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Igneo said the new platform reflects growing demand from commercial and industrial customers seeking greater control over energy costs, reliability and decarbonisation through on-site energy infrastructure.

Partner Daniel Timms said the business was well positioned to capitalise on the expanding distributed energy market.

"We are thrilled to appoint Jason Willoughby as chief executive of Vertis Energy. Jason brings exceptional leadership and a successful track record of building energy platforms to scale," Timms said.

Vertis will build, own and operate on-site distributed energy solutions for businesses including solar, battery, heating and cooling systems, enabling businesses to reduce exposure to energy price volatility while lowering carbon emissions.

Willoughby said energy was becoming a strategic business issue rather than simply an operational cost.

"Energy is no longer just a line item for facilities teams or procurement departments. For many businesses, it is becoming a much more material driver of cost certainty, resilience and competitiveness," he said.

"There is significant value sitting closer to the customer - on business rooftops, behind the meter and in the energy assets companies can control directly. Vertis is built to help businesses capture that value."

The Green Squares Energy acquisition includes 240 sites across Australia comprising 34MW of behind the meter solar and 12MW of small utility scale solar farms with co-located battery developments.

The launch builds on Igneo's existing Australian renewable energy investments, including its stake in CPE Renewable Investment Trust, distributed energy infrastructure at Barangaroo, Central Park, Mascot and Tonsley precincts, and its investment in Atmos Renewables, which includes interests in more than 1.9GW of wind, solar and energy storage assets.