Quaero Capital to acquire 49% stake in Vilnius cogeneration plant from Ignitis Group
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 25, 2026
Vilnius cogeneration plant
Project
Ignitis Group will sell a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant to Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III, managed by Quaero Capital, for 120 million euros. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Deal Analysis
Quaero Capital's acquisition of a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant from Ignitis Group for €120 million represents a significant investment in Lithuania's energy infrastructure. This transaction allows Ignitis Group, a major international energy company, to partially monetize a key asset while retaining majority control. For Quaero Capital, this acquisition provides access to a stable, operating biomass-fueled power generation asset within the European Union, aligning with the fund's investment strategy in infrastructure. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter, pending regulatory approvals, and signifies continued investor interest in renewable energy projects within the region.
The deal is notable for its size, involving a substantial investment of €120 million, and the participation of a prominent player in the Lithuanian energy market, Ignitis Group. The acquisition by Quaero Capital, through its Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III, demonstrates the fund's commitment to expanding its portfolio of infrastructure assets. This transaction also highlights the ongoing trend of energy companies seeking strategic partnerships and capital injections to support the development and operation of renewable energy projects. The deal's focus on biomass technology further underscores the growing importance of sustainable energy sources in the European energy mix.
- €120 million acquisition of a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant.
- Ignitis Group, a major Lithuanian energy company, is the seller.
- Quaero Capital, through its Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III, is the buyer.
- The plant utilizes biomass technology, aligning with sustainable energy trends.
Market Context: The deal takes place within the context of increasing investment in renewable energy projects across Europe, particularly in biomass and cogeneration facilities. Lithuania, as part of the EU, is committed to meeting renewable energy targets, making investments in this sector attractive.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The deal fulfills a requirement set by the European Commission when it approved 138 million euros in state aid for the project. Quote: “First of all, we are implementing a requirement of the European Commission that was set when granting 138 million euros in support for the project. This means that the entire amount of support can be used to reduce heating prices for Vilnius residents,” Maikštėnas said in a statement.
Ignitis Group and Finland-owned Gren Lietuva also jointly operate the Kaunas cogeneration plant, with Ignitis holding a 51% stake and Gren Lietuva owning 49%. Quote: Ignitis Group and Finland-owned Gren Lietuva also jointly operate the Kaunas cogeneration plant, with Ignitis holding a 51% stake and Gren Lietuva owning 49%.
Quaero Capital manages 3.8 billion euros in assets. Quote: Quaero Capital, headquartered in Geneva with offices in Paris, Zurich, Luxembourg and London, manages 3.8 billion euros in assets.
“
Deal Size
it will sell a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant to an infrastructure fund managed by Switzerland-based Quaero Capital for 120 million euros.
“
Location
Swiss fund Quaero Capital to buy 49% of Vilnius cogeneration plant
“
Financials
The European Investment Bank provided a 190-million-euro loan for the project, while Ignitis Group contributed 60 million euros.
“
Announcement
State-controlled energy group Ignitis Group said Wednesday it will sell a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant
“
Signing
Ignitis Group said it signed a share purchase agreement Tuesday with the Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III.
“
Expected Close
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions set out in the agreement.
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
Q
Quaero Capital
buyer
"Swiss fund Quaero Capital to buy 49% of Vilnius cogeneration plant"
I
Ignitis Group
seller
"State-controlled energy group Ignitis Group said Wednesday it will sell a 49% stake in the Vilnius cogeneration plant"
Q
Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III
buyer
"Ignitis Group said it signed a share purchase agreement Tuesday with the Quaero European Infrastructure Fund III."
M
Miesto Gijos
buyer
"In addition, Ignitis Group said it sold one share in the plant to Lithuania’s largest district heating supplier, Miesto Gijos."
high quality
Enriched Feb 27, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Biomass sector in Lithuania.
1 of 30 Biomass deals tracked this month · Updated daily