Financing climate-friendly energy development through bonds

Abstract

In this paper we review the various instruments that have been proposed and implemented for financing renewable energy and low-carbon technology projects, in both the developed and developing world, with a focus on private sector involvement. We consider their common features and compare their total impact so far with the scale of renewable energy funding likely to be needed over the next several decades, as estimated by such bodies as the International Energy Agency, which puts the amount at one trillion US dollars per year. An increase of this magnitude in the required financing provides opportunities for developing new financing instruments, based on what has been accomplished so far, and for regional development banks to be involved in the process, subject to sound risk management principles.