1414 Degrees Advances Placement Options as Joint Venture Faces Ownership Question

Joint Venture Ownership in Flux

1414 Degrees Ltd (ASX, 14D) has provided a critical update on the status of its 50% owned joint venture, SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, which is responsible for developing the Silicon Aurora Energy Precinct. The company’s partner in this venture, Vast Solar Aurora Pty Ltd (VSA), a subsidiary of Vast Renewables Limited, was placed into administration in November 2025. This development has introduced significant uncertainty around the future ownership and control of VSA’s stake in the joint venture.

Despite these challenges, 1414 Degrees remains steadfast in its commitment to the Precinct’s development. The company is actively exploring strategic options, including the potential acquisition of VSA’s 50% shareholding, which would consolidate its control over the project and potentially streamline decision-making.

Progress on Renewable Energy Projects

The Silicon Aurora Energy Precinct is a flagship initiative aimed at integrating advanced thermal energy storage (TESS) and lithium-ion battery storage (BESS) technologies to support continuous renewable energy supply. 1414 Degrees is working closely with key stakeholders such as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and ElectraNet to secure necessary approvals, signalling ongoing momentum despite the joint venture’s ownership uncertainties.

These efforts align with 1414 Degrees’ broader industrial decarbonisation strategy, leveraging its proprietary silicon-based technologies like SiBrick® and SiBox® to deliver high-temperature heat and energy storage solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by its development of the SiPHyR™ methane pyrolysis reactor, which aims to produce low-emission hydrogen and solid carbon.

Capital Raising Update

In parallel with operational updates, 1414 Degrees has provided clarity on its October 2025 placement. The placement involved issuing shares to sophisticated and institutional investors, with attaching options exercisable at $0.05 each and expiring two years from issue. Shareholders approved the issue of these options, along with additional options granted to Peak Asset Management Pty Ltd as lead manager fees.

The company has lodged a prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to facilitate secondary trading of these options on the ASX. This move is designed to enhance liquidity and provide investors with greater flexibility in managing their holdings. The timetable anticipates the official quotation of the new options by the end of January 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Looking Ahead

While the administration of Vast Solar Aurora introduces an element of unpredictability, 1414 Degrees’ proactive approach to securing approvals and exploring ownership consolidation could position the company to accelerate its renewable energy ambitions. The unfolding situation will be closely watched by investors keen to see how the company navigates these complexities and capitalises on its innovative technologies.