Investec has agreed with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to establish a €100 million renewable energy funding facility to promote clean energy generation and energy efficiency initiatives in South Africa.
Investec and the EIB are to be equal partners in the programme, with each contributing €50 million.
The facility will support South African renewable energy projects and energy efficiency activities, with Investec responsible for selection of projects and subsequent investment. The €100 million will be available to selected opportunities over a period of three years from the start of the programme.
Each project will be evaluated by Investec in accordance with additional investment criteria set by the EIB to ensure that projects deliver sound environmental benefits and abide by accepted business, environmental, social and labour practices.
Commenting on the news, Investec’s Fazel Moosa said: “We are delighted to be announcing this facility which has the potential to help the government and industry transform South Africa’s renewable energy efforts.
“Investec’s significant global and local experience in project finance for the renewable energy space as well as its current investment pipeline were instrumental in bringing this deal together. We are convinced that our expertise, coupled with the funding the EIB is providing will support the growth of a green economy in South Africa.”
He concluded: “This facility aims to support our government’s stated aims to build a greener and more energy efficient economy. We are proud to be partnering an international institution with the capabilities of the EIB. It is the largest international non-sovereign lender, with a presence across the globe and we are pleased that the bank recognised our knowledge and expertise in this space, to bolster South Africa’s own efforts to emerge as a greener and more efficient nation.”
Plutarchos Sakellaris, vice president of the EIB, added: “Ensuring reliable electricity supply and more efficient use of energy is essential for economic growth around the world. Working closely with Investec the European Investment Bank looks forward to addressing energy challenges in South Africa.”
