Qualitas Energy Subsidiary on Growth Path: Acquisition of Solar and Wind Projects Strengthens Heelstone's Expansion in the U.S. Market

Durham, USA / Berlin – With the acquisition of Valor Infrastructure Partners’ (VIP) project portfolio and the appointment of a new CEO, Heelstone Renewable Energy is repositioning itself in the U.S. market. This deal marks a significant step toward becoming a fully integrated power producer and underscores the expansion strategy of Heelstone’s parent company, Qualitas Energy, in the U.S. market.

Heelstone Renewable Energy, a U.S. renewables platform, is acquiring Valor Infrastructure Partners’ renewable energy development portfolio. The transaction includes the purchase of solar and wind energy projects located in the western and southwestern United States. This acquisition strengthens the company’s position as a fully integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) and brings in an experienced CEO.

Strategic Expansion in the U.S. Market Through Portfolio Acquisition

Heelstone Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of the globally operating investment platform Qualitas Energy, has acquired the development portfolio of U.S.-based renewable energy specialist Valor Infrastructure Partners (VIP). The acquisition includes several onshore wind projects in the western United States and a 190 MWp photovoltaic project in Texas. The projects are expected to come online between 2027 and 2028, depending on their development progress.

As part of the deal, eleven experienced specialists from VIP are joining Heelstone, including experts in solar, wind, and battery storage projects. This marks Heelstone’s first major strategic move since Qualitas Energy’s entry in May 2024 and represents a significant step toward its transformation into a fully integrated Independent Power Producer focused on solar energy and storage solutions. The U.S. subsidiary of Qualitas Energy now holds a development portfolio of more than 5 GW.

New CEO to Accelerate Growth Path

As part of the integration, Mike Weich, formerly CEO of VIP, will become the new CEO of Heelstone. Daryl Hart, previously Chief Development Officer at VIP, will assume the same role at Heelstone. This personnel transition reflects continuity and expertise in project development and execution.

“With the support of Qualitas Energy and the addition of the VIP team, we’re well-equipped to expand our footprint and accelerate the delivery of high-quality renewable energy projects”, emphasizes Weich. Heelstone now employs around 60 staff members with extensive market and technology expertise across the entire project lifecycle.

For Qualitas Energy, the acquisition is another building block in its international expansion. The company manages a global portfolio with a capacity of 11,000 MW (11 GW) across photovoltaics, wind power, storage technologies, solar thermal, bioenergy and hydropower. Since 2006, Qualitas Energy has invested more than €14 billion in renewable energy.

Source: IWR Online, 06 May 2025