Overview of the Financing Deal
On March 5, 2026, Origis Energy, a prominent player in the U.S. renewable energy sector, announced the closing of a significant financial deal involving approximately $545 million. This substantial funding is earmarked for three utility-scale solar projects located in Ector County, Texas, collectively referred to as the Rockhound Projects. With an impressive installed capacity of approximately 413 MW, these projects are currently under construction and are anticipated to begin commercial operations in summer 2026.
This financing marks a crucial phase in Origis Energy's broader initiative to develop a massive solar complex in West Texas. Once fully operational, the project's total capacity will exceed 700 MW, including previously secured Swift Air Solar II and Swift Air Solar III projects that reached financial closure in 2025.
Project Financing Structure
The financial package consists of senior secured credit facilities, which include various types of loans such as construction loans, term loans, tax credit bridge loans, and letter of credit facilities. These financial instruments are designed to support both the construction phase and ongoing operations of the projects,
Key players in the transaction, Natixis Corporate Investment Banking and Santander Corporate Investment Banking, served in critical roles as Joint Underwriters, Coordinating Lead Arrangers, and Co-Green Loan Coordinators. Natixis assumed the role of Administrative Agent, while U.S. Bank National Association was appointed as Collateral Agent. Their collaborative efforts reflect a robust partnership aimed at fostering renewable energy development.
Statements from Company Leaders
Alice Heathcote, Chief Financial Officer of Origis Energy, commented on the financing, highlighting the confidence placed by their capital partners in Origis' ability to manage complex, large-scale projects effectively. She expressed gratitude towards Natixis and Santander for their exceptional partnership, emphasizing the shared goal of enhancing resilient energy infrastructure while contributing positively to local economies.
Andrew Platt, Head of Energy Structured Finance Advisory at Santander, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming their commitment to renewable energy platforms and signifying the strength of their partnership with Origis. Similarly, James Kaiser from Natixis emphasized their intention to uphold a collaborative relationship with Origis and their joint efforts towards financing additional future projects.
Legal Representation in the Transaction
The legal dimensions of this financing deal involved representation from prominent law firms. Latham & Watkins LLP represented Origis Energy, while Reed Smith LLP acted as local counsel. The lenders, supported by Milbank LLP and Husch Blackwell LLP, ensured that all regulatory and contractual obligations were met, reflecting the intricate nature of these financial arrangements.
About Origis Energy
As a leader in renewable energy and decarbonization, Origis Energy is dedicated to delivering competitive, near-term solutions for today’s energy infrastructure needs. Their focus on customer-centric service includes promoting grid-scale power generation, enhancing performance, and managing solar and energy storage assets throughout the United States. For further information, visit
www.origisenergy.com.
This recent financing marks a pivotal step for Origis Energy as it drives forward in expanding its renewable energy portfolio in Texas, underscoring the growing shift towards sustainable energy solutions across the nation.