VIRTUAL
Distressed Renewables: Buying & Restructuring Distressed Energy Assets
Webinar
June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026
During the webinar, Partners Debbie Harrison and Joel Hugenberger of McDermott Will & Schulte, along with Scott Cockerham of FTI, discussed a sharp rise in distressed activity across renewable energy, driven by higher interest rates, tighter financing, supply chain challenges, and project delays. As a result, more developers particularly in solar have entered restructuring or bankruptcy, creating a growing pool of distressed assets for investors. Transactions are still getting done across these situations, often through bankruptcy processes or out-of-court restructurings, but they involve far more stakeholders, complex capital stacks, and operational challenges than traditional M&A.
Why it matters
Execution has become significantly more complex and time-sensitive. Buyers must navigate fragmented stakeholder groups, limited liquidity, valuation mismatches, and heightened diligence requirements—often while taking on more risk through “as-is” acquisitions. Key value drivers like tax credits, contracted revenues, and development pipelines remain attractive but are harder to monetize and underwrite in distress. Success increasingly depends on speed, stakeholder alignment, realistic pricing, and the ability to stabilize and operate assets post-close rather than just acquiring them.
Who needs to know
Private equity sponsors, infrastructure investors, credit funds, strategic buyers, and restructuring professionals involved in energy transition or renewable asset transactions—especially those evaluating distressed opportunities or complex financings.
How we can help
McDermott’s Energy practice and Business Restructuring practice work seamlessly together to support clients across the full lifecycle of renewable and energy transition investments. We advise on acquisitions, structuring and negotiating transactions and financing arrangements, navigating tax equity and credit-related considerations, and conducting diligence across regulatory, operational, and contractual risks. Our restructuring team brings deep experience guiding clients through in-court and out-of-court restructurings, liability management exercises, and bankruptcy processes, helping stakeholders preserve value, align interests, and execute transactions efficiently. Whether you are pursuing a distressed acquisition, evaluating risk in a challenged portfolio, or navigating a restructuring process, our integrated team provides practical, real-time guidance to help position assets for successful execution and long-term value creation.
