MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sold $232.2 million in Clean Energy Bonds to support its renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Asia and the Pacific.
ADB's inaugural Clean Energy Bond issue follows the successful sale in April of its first Water Bond which is supporting ADB's work in the water sector in Asia and the Pacific.As part of its Energy Policy, ADB is targeting $2 billion a year in clean energy investments by 2013. ADB will provide assistance to clean energy projects in an amount at least equal to the amount raised by the latest bond issue.
"The healthy sale of the Clean Energy Bonds shows a clear desire among Japanese investors to see funds committed to clean energy projects that will help improve the environment but ensure sustainable growth in the region," said Thierry de Longuemar, ADB's Treasurer.
Rapid economic expansion in Asia and the Pacific has caused rising greenhouse gas emissions and put heavy pressure on energy resources. At the same time, millions of people in many parts of the region have no access to basic energy, undermining their livelihoods and holding back development in the region.
The bond comprises four tranches; 4-year bonds denominated in Australian dollars, 4-year and 7-year bonds in Brazilian real, and 7-year bonds in Turkish lira.
The transaction was lead managed by HSBC Securities (Japan) Ltd. and the bonds were distributed by more than 20 securities firms.