Banks extend Rs36b renewable energy financing
Banks have extended financing of around Rs36 billion for 521 projects producing approximately 850 MW under the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) Financing Scheme for Renewable Energy.
While addressing a webinar jointly hosted by SBP and Unilever Pakistan to create awareness about the SBP's Renewable Energy Financing Scheme, State Bank governor Dr Reza Baqir said that financing for sustainable development is the need of the hour and Financial Institutions have a crucial role in this area.
Unilever Pakistan has used SBP's Renewable Energy Financing Scheme to convert 30 percent of its factories to renewable energy.
Dr. Baqir stated that Pakistan faces challenge as a result of climate change and adopting prevention strategies are of paramount importance. In this regard he pointed out that the SBP has issued Financing Scheme for Renewable Energy with a view to promote renewable energy projects.
He also highlighted the key features of the scheme that can be beneficial for the stakeholders ranging from the corporate to the individuals. The scheme has evolved over time and received strong response and Dr. Baqir urged participants to draw benefit from this facility. As of February 2021, financing of around Rs36 billion has been extended for 521 projects producing approximately 850 MW.
He went on to add that mobilization of financial resources towards resource efficient and sustainable avenues would play a central role in mitigating climate change. Pakistan is member of Global Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) since 2015 and green/ sustainable finance policies are being aligned with global environmental and social standards and best practice.
Chairman and CEO of Unilever Pakistan, Amir Paracha in his address said that the Renewable Energy Financing Scheme offers tremendous social and business value to companies and producers both in terms of their environmental footprint and cost-saving ambitions. The financing scheme in Pakistan has enabled them to fast-track their renewable energy goals whilst remaining financially feasible.
He said that Unilever is sharing this as a best practice for other corporate players, as its sustainability in its best form. They are benefiting the country and environment whilst their own business has seen a positive impact.
SBP's Renewable Energy Financing scheme is an innovative solution that aims to encourage investments for clean energy in Pakistan. This is part of the country's efforts to diversify the energy mix and reduce climate change impact.
The scheme offers varied financing options ranging from Rs400 million to Rs6 billion for a range of entities and persons. This includes captive energy units as well as commercial projects and individual consumers who may share excess production with the national grid.
The SBP issued its Financing Scheme for Renewable Energy in 2016 and based on positive feedback the scheme was revised in July 2019. SBP also introduced a Shariah compliant version of this scheme in August 2019.
The scheme aims at meeting Pakistan's growing electricity demand through renewable energy and promoting clean energy projects as part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).