HydrogenOne Capital Faces Setback as German Partner HH2E Heads Toward Administration

Highlights: 

• HH2E Faces Administration: German green hydrogen developer HH2E is expected to enter administration after failing to secure large-scale financing. 
• Impact on HydrogenOne: HydrogenOne Capital Growth PLC has exposure through loans and equity, affecting its net asset value. 
• Significant Share Price Drop: HydrogenOne’s shares fell 16% in London following the announcement. 

HydrogenOne Capital Growth PLC (LSE:HGEN) has announced a major development regarding its investment in HH2E, a German company focused on green hydrogen projects. HH2E has struggled to secure the necessary funding to advance its initial projects, and as a result, it is now expected to enter administration. 

Challenges in Securing Funding 

HH2E had been actively engaged in a fundraising process aimed at supporting the development of its green hydrogen projects. However, due to the current challenging funding environment, the company was unable to attract a financing partner capable of meeting its scale requirements within the set timeline. This has forced HH2E into a position where it is now expected to undergo administration proceedings. 

The broader economic climate and uncertainties in the green energy sector have made it difficult for many companies like HH2E to secure large-scale investments. The inability to secure adequate funding highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the green hydrogen industry, particularly in a period of rising interest rates and tightened capital availability. 

Impact on HydrogenOne Capital 

HydrogenOne Capital, which has been a key supporter of HH2E, had provided approximately £1 million in shareholder loans. These loans, however, are subordinated to other creditors under German insolvency law, meaning they will be considered only after senior creditors have been repaid. This situation puts HydrogenOne’s financial exposure at greater risk during the administration process. 

At the end of September, HydrogenOne's interests in HH2E were valued at around £11 million, accounting for approximately 8% of the company’s net asset value (NAV). The potential write-down of this investment could have a significant impact on HydrogenOne’s overall portfolio performance. 

The company acknowledged the ongoing administration process and stated that it will prioritize the interests of all creditors. HydrogenOne intends to provide further updates to the market as the situation develops. 

Market Reaction 

The news of HH2E’s financial troubles led to a sharp reaction from investors. HydrogenOne’s shares fell by 16% in early trading in London, dropping to 31.46p. The substantial decline reflects concerns over the potential loss of value from the investment and broader uncertainties surrounding HydrogenOne’s exposure to early-stage green hydrogen projects. 

Despite this setback, HydrogenOne remains committed to its strategy of investing in clean energy technologies, including hydrogen production. The company will now likely reassess its risk exposure and consider future investment strategies to mitigate similar challenges. 

Looking Ahead 

The administration of HH2E signals a cautionary tale for early-stage green hydrogen projects, particularly those relying on significant capital injections. HydrogenOne’s involvement highlights the risks associated with investing in emerging technologies and the importance of securing reliable financial backing. 

While the situation with HH2E remains fluid, the administration process will aim to balance the interests of all creditors. HydrogenOne Capital will continue monitoring developments closely and provide updates as necessary, but investors may need to prepare for a potential revaluation of the company's NAV in light of these recent events. 

The outcome of this situation will likely influence future investment decisions in the green hydrogen space, underscoring the need for a more cautious and diversified approach in the face of funding challenges and economic headwinds.