Octopus expands into Aussie market
Octopus Investments, the largest solar player in Europe, has announced its expansion into the Australian market, opening its first office in Melbourne.
The firm intends to further its track record in Europe where it has attracted both retail and institutional funds since it entered the renewables market eight years ago.
Head of Octopus’ energy investments team, Matt Setchell, said the Australian team had been integral in growing the business into Europe’s largest solar investment management business over the last five years.
Sam Reynolds, head of Octopus’ new Australia office, said the firm was a leader in commercialising, consolidating and managing assets for long-term owners, and the company was treating its entry into Australia as a long-term investment.
“The fundamental shift from fossil fuels to renewables is already underway,” he said. “Policies and markets will need to adapt - we’ll be leveraging our extensive European experience to navigate this rapidly evolving market and bring the right investment opportunities to our investors.”
Reynolds said in the process, they would be creating jobs in Australia, financing the growth of Australian innovations and bringing cheaper and cleaner energy to Australian businesses and homes.
The Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said Octopus’ arrival in Melbourne proved that the Victorian Government was keen to work with developers and financiers of new energy technology solutions to create a “world class ecosystem for investment and innovation”.
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