SWEN Capital Partners, a benchmark player in sustainable private equity investment, has announced the final closing of its impact fund SWEN Impact Fund for Transition (SWIFT), Europe’s first infrastructure fund dedicated to renewable gases. The fund raised EUR175 million(US$205.40 million), greatly exceeding its target amount of EUR120 million (US$142.35 million).

SWEN Impact Fund for Transition (SWIFT) is SWEN Capital Partners’ first impact fund and a testament to the firm’s efforts to achieve its goals by developing its conviction-based management activities. The fund invests directly in methanation, renewable hydrogen, and gas and LNG refueling infrastructure for the shipping and overland transportation sector.

It is managed by a team of six specializing in the gas industry and infrastructure finance; it is the first of its kind in Europe and aspires to step up investment in the renewable gas industry. Gas accounts for a quarter of France’s energy consumption so it is essential to decarbonize the industry if the country is to achieve a successful energy transition, especially as only 1% of the gas consumed in France currently comes from renewable sources.

SWIFT has made its first investments in methanation units, which are being developed as part of a co-investment program with farmers; they will be used to produce the renewable energy needed in farming areas while also boosting the economy and local employment.

The fund has already made 5 direct investments in France and Belgium, primarily in methanation units but also in gas distribution units. Some 15 exclusive partnership agreements have also been signed in France, Italy, Belgium, and the UK.