A lender's technical advisor (LTA) is an independent expert appointed by lenders to assess and monitor the technical risks of a renewable energy project they are financing. The LTA reviews the project before financial close, then monitors construction and certifies drawdowns during delivery, reporting to the lenders throughout. This guide explains the LTA scope across the financing lifecycle and how it differs from an owner's engineer. It is derived from SgurrEnergy's technical advisory scope.
What a Lender's Technical Advisor Does
The LTA gives lenders an independent technical view across the project lifecycle.
Pre-financial-close due diligence
Independent technical due diligence on yield, design, technology, contracts, permits and risk before lending.
Energy yield and revenue review
Review of P50/P90 energy estimates and revenue assumptions that underpin debt sizing.
Construction monitoring
Ongoing monitoring of construction progress, quality and compliance during the loan term.
Drawdown certification
Verification of progress to support milestone-based drawdowns and lender disbursements.
Reporting to lenders
Regular technical reporting and red-flag escalation to the lender group.
Lender's Technical Advisor vs Owner's Engineer
Both are independent advisors, but they act for different parties.
Lender's technical advisor (LTA)
Acts for the lenders. Focuses on bankability, technical risk, drawdown verification and ongoing compliance with loan conditions.
Owner's engineer (OE)
Acts for the project owner. Focuses on design review, procurement support, construction quality and delivering the asset to specification.
Technical Risks the LTA Helps Manage
The LTA exists to protect the lenders against the risks that threaten repayment.
- Overstated energy yield
- Design and equipment risk
- Construction delay and quality
- Contractual and warranty gaps
Related SgurrEnergy Services
Put This Into Practice on Your Project
This resource is a starting point, not a substitute for project-specific technical advice. SgurrEnergy provides independent advisory, due diligence and engineering support across the full renewable energy project lifecycle. Discuss how it applies to your wind, solar PV, BESS, hydro or hybrid project with our technical team.