Call for proposals for the first renewable energy guarantees

'Roughly 700 million people lack access to electricity today. We must work to provide as many of them as possible with electricity, and this must come from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels. The guarantee scheme will be an important tool for securing greater access to clean energy in developing countries. This is vital to enable these countries to continue to develop and at the same time reduce the impacts of climate change,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

'The guarantee scheme represents a new way of thinking about development assistance. Norway has an AAA credit rating, which is the highest possible rating. We use this to guarantee funding for renewable energy projects to encourage more private companies to invest in sometimes challenging markets. In addition to promoting the green transition in developing countries and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this helps to create jobs, which we know is a key to poverty reduction,' said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.

Sixty-five per cent of the NOK 5 billion financial framework has been set aside for guarantees issued in cooperation with multilateral development banks such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The remaining 35 % (NOK 1.75 billion) is being made available under the call.

Emerging markets and developing countries are in need of significant investment in order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There is a correlation between the countries with the highest levels of poverty, the least access to energy and the least developed financial markets. It is difficult for these countries to attract the capital required for the necessary energy investments.

The guarantee scheme is administered by Norad. Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries, serves in an advisory role and provides external risk assessments.

'Since the scheme was proposed last year, we have worked closely with experts to develop its design and framework. Guarantees will be issued in amounts of at least NOK 200 million. Norwegian and international actors and companies will compete on equal footing. These will be potentially profitable projects for the business community, and I hope private companies and investors take advantage of this opportunity. The possibilities are enormous,' said Norad Director General Bård Vegar Solhjell.

More information on the guarantee scheme is available on Norad's website.