Octopus Energy Group announced the launch of a new fund aimed at allowing pension funds and private wealth investors to invest in the energy transition, with access to more than 50 renewable energy projects in 15 countries, including wind, solar and large-scale battery projects.

Octopus said that the new CG Octopus Energy Sustainable Growth Fund I, or Astris, is being launched with a $220 million (£165 million) cornerstone investment and is now open to private wealth investors and pension schemes through major investment platforms.

According to the company, the new fund is one of the first private market funds to be awarded a “Sustainability Focus” label under the new UK Financial Conduct Authority Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regulation. Octopus added that unlike most traditional private market funds, the new offering gives investors monthly access to the fund alongside some of the world’s largest and most respected institutional investors.

Matt Setchell, Co-Head of Octopus Energy Generation, said:

“For too long, pension schemes and private wealth have had limited investment opportunities in private markets due to a lack of innovative solutions. The launch of this fund changes that. It’s been built from the ground up to remove the structural barriers for investors wishing to participate in the $275 trillion generational investment opportunity to fund the energy transition and invest alongside professional investors and institutional funds from around the world. Day one investors will own a globally diverse portfolio of renewable projects and companies – delivering genuine impact with no compromise on financial returns.”