Clean Energy Fuels enters into six-year $300M loan with Stonepeak for RNG buildout

In California, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has entered into a six-year $300 million senior secured term loan with Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. The credit agreement also provides for a two-year delayed draw term loan commitment of an additional $100 million. 

In addition to repaying existing loans, the financing from Stonepeak will provide Clean Energy with capital for new renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities, as well as the expansion of the company’s fueling infrastructure targeting the heavy-duty truck market. Clean Energy currently provides RNG to hundreds of fleets every day in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG), which enables them to decarbonize their large vehicles easily and affordably. 

The term loan bears interest at 9.5% per annum. During the first two years, Clean Energy may elect to pay up to 75% of the interest in kind. The term loan matures on December 12, 2029 and may be repaid by Clean Energy at any time in an amount that results in Stonepeak achieving the greater of (i) 11.5% internal rate of return and (ii) 1.4x multiple on invested capital, subject to certain exceptions. In connection with this transaction, Clean Energy issued warrants to Stonepeak for the purchase of 10 million shares of common stock with an exercise price of $5.50 per share and 10 million shares of common stock with an exercise price of $6.50 per share. The warrants expire on June 15, 2032 and are exercisable at any time after December 12, 2025.