Koblitz’s core business is the supply of turnkey services for the construction of biomass and small hydro-electric power plants. Since 1996, Koblitz has reportedly participated in 76 biomass projects, including 58 using sugarcane bagasse, totalling more than 2,000MW.
Areva stated that the acquisition is in line with its business development strategy on the CO2-free energy market. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the group’s position in Brazil, where renewable energies reportedly provide 90% of electricity and where the use of sugarcane bagasse is expected to increase by 50% in the next five years.
Areva will provide Koblitz with project management and engineering, procurement and construction skills for the building of turnkey power plants. Koblitz will reportedly benefit from the French firm’s financial support and from its international sales network.
Koblitz founder Luiz Koblitz and the main managers of the company will maintain a 30% stake in Koblitz.
