Private Equity

Investing in the Next Generation of Energy Infrastructure

March 2026 – 6 min read

Scalable energy and power platforms are emerging as highly attractive opportunities. These assets combine the core characteristics institutional investors value with speed, flexibility and resilience needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Rethinking Scale in Energy Infrastructure

The energy and power landscape is increasingly shaped by localized demand, operational complexity and infrastructure constraints. Yet much of today’s investment remains focused on large-scale generation and transmission projects—assets that often face long permitting timelines, high capital intensity and exposure to grid and regulatory bottlenecks.

In contrast, distributed and modular energy platforms—such as battery storage systems and district heating networks—offer a differentiated opportunity, particularly at the platform level, i.e., in a scalable network of distributed assets. These assets retain core infrastructure qualities like physical assets, inflation-linked revenue and essential service delivery but also add unique small scale advantages like speed, modularity and the ability to respond to local demand with precision.

What Sets Localized Energy Solutions Apart

Localized energy solutions distinguish themselves through quick and flexible service delivery. Unlike traditional large-scale projects, these assets are built to adapt, scale and respond to the evolving needs of local markets, which is increasingly valuable as the sector transitions toward decentralization, decarbonization and greater customer focus.

Potential Advantages of Modular Energy Platforms

Potential Advantages of Modular Energy PlatformsSource: Barings. As of February 2026.

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Headshot of Mina Nazemi smiling at the camera.

Mina Pacheco Nazemi

Head of Diversified Alternative Equity
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Addie Sparks

Director, Diversified Alternative Equity

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