An unnamed European pension fund has backed NextEnergy Capital’s (NEC) fifth OECD-focused solar investment fund with a $100m (€91.8m) capital commitment.

NEC said the capital from the pension fund lifts the amount raised for the NextPower V ESG (NPV ESG) to $580m in total commitments to date.

NPV ESG, which seeks to raise $1.5bn with a $2bn hard cap, already counts Norwegian municipal pensions giant KLP, a German occupational pension fund and a “large Nordic pension fundâ€� among its backers.

NEC’s previous OECD solar strategy, NPIII ESG, reached its final close in January 2022, raising $900m in total commitments.

NEC said NPV ESG is in advanced talks with several potential investors and expects to secure additional capital soon.

The manager said NPV ESG is constructing a 100MW solar project in Florida and has several other investment opportunities from its 18GW pipeline. NPV ESG’s pipeline includes projects in Spain, Poland, Italy, Canada and the US.  

Michael Bonte-Friedheim, CEO and founding partner of NextEnergy Group, said: â€œI am very pleased to announce a further close for NPV ESG, with a commitment from a new institutional investor for our strategies.

�This additional capital coming into the fund demonstrates NextEnergy Capital strategies coming to the fore as we continue to expand our reach as the go-to specialist solar investment manager focused on OECD markets.�

Shane Swords, NextEnergy Capital managing director and global head of investor relations, said: â€œWe are delighted to welcome a new investor into NextPower V ESG, which further accelerates the fund’s positive momentum and growth.

�It’s wonderful to see NextEnergy Capital’s exemplary track record, extensive experience in solar, and vast opportunities in the solar sector being recognised.�

To read the latest Âé¶¹Ó³»­ Real Assets magazine click here.