Ares Makes European Infrastructure Debut With Investment in Statera Energy’s 1.9 GW UK Flexibility Portfolio

Statera Energy, the UK developer and operator of energy storage and flexible generation, confirmed on 14 October 2026 that Ares Infrastructure Equity funds, affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), have taken a significant minority stake in its operational portfolio. Financial terms were not disclosed.

First European Investment for Ares Infrastructure Equity

The deal is the first investment made by Ares Infrastructure Equity in Europe and ranks among the largest transactions of its kind in the European flexibility market to date. Statera will retain ownership of the portfolio and continue to operate and manage it, while Ares comes in as a long-term investment partner.

Storage and Flexible Generation Across the UK

The acquired portfolio holds roughly 1.9 GW of storage and flexible generation assets located across the UK. Key assets include the 680MW Carrington Storage project in Greater Manchester and the 750MW Thurrock Flexible Generation project in Essex.

Capital for a 7 GW Target by 2030

According to Ares, the investment demonstrates its continued commitment to the energy transition and brings significant additional capital to fund Statera's next phase of growth.

Statera, meanwhile, will keep advancing a development pipeline exceeding 16 GW, which it says will supply the flexible infrastructure required to balance an increasingly renewables-led electricity system.

The company has 2.2 GW of assets delivered or under construction and intends to deliver 7 GW of flexibility assets by 2030. Its business model centres on developing, owning, and operating flexible generation, battery storage, and pumped storage hydro projects designed to enable more renewable energy in the UK by providing flexible capacity to balance the future grid, lowering carbon emissions, and delivering value for energy users.

Leadership Views on the Partnership

Tom Vernon, Statera's Chief Executive Officer, described Ares as one of the world's leading investors and said its decision to make its first European infrastructure equity investment in Statera's portfolio was an endorsement of the company's assets and capability.

"The capital supports our plan to deliver 7GW of flexible capacity by 2030," Vernon said, noting that Statera looks forward to working alongside Ares as it builds and operates the flexible assets needed for a secure and affordable electricity system in the UK and across Europe.

Keith Derman, Partner and Head of Infrastructure Equity at Ares, said the firm is excited to partner with Statera to further develop and unlock incremental value from a portfolio it called high-quality.

Derman added that the deal underscores Ares' conviction in energy transition infrastructure and its belief in the critical role such assets will play in supporting the UK's evolving energy system.

Scale of Ares' Infrastructure Platform

Ares Infrastructure focuses on energy transition, digital infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure, midstream, and utilities. It has deployed roughly USD 15 billion across more than 60 investments, supported by a team with 22 years' average experience, and targets infrastructure assets with durable cash flows and competitive advantages.

As of June 30, 2026, the business managed USD 29.9 billion in assets with a global team of more than 130 investment professionals.

Its parent, Ares Management Corporation, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ARES and provides clients with primary and secondary investment solutions spanning credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. The firm reported USD 671 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026.

Advisers on Both Sides

Macquarie Capital is acting as financial adviser to Statera Energy, advised on transaction counsel by Paul Weiss and on due diligence by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP.

For Ares, KPMG served as financial and tax adviser, DLA Piper as legal adviser, and Baringa as commercial adviser.