Equator Principles

EQS-News: EcoGraf Limited: KfW IPEX-Bank Mandated for UFK Loan of up to US$105m (A$160m)1 for Development of Epanko

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, December 30, 2023

German Government confirms Epanko eligibility for cover in principle for the Untied Loan Guarantee (“UFK”) scheme based on the support of German offtakers for the Company’s initial 73,000tpa Epanko development.

Key Points: 
  • German Government confirms Epanko eligibility for cover in principle for the Untied Loan Guarantee (“UFK”) scheme based on the support of German offtakers for the Company’s initial 73,000tpa Epanko development.
  • KfW IPEX-Bank may act as sole funder for the UFK Tranche for an amount of up to US$105 million, subject to satisfactory due diligence and credit approvals.
  • A key aspect of the UFK program is the promotion of the highest environmental and social operating standards.
  • KfW IPEX-Bank has provided valuable support to the development of Epanko since 2017 and is an experienced and highly capable potential debt funding partner for the Project.

Greenbacker secures $92 million financing for storage and solar portfolio

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023

The financing package includes a construction to term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, a term loan commitment, and a letter of credit facility.

Key Points: 
  • The financing package includes a construction to term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, a term loan commitment, and a letter of credit facility.
  • The proceeds from the construction loan and tax equity bridge loan will be used to finance the construction of the Holtville battery energy storage system (BESS), Greenbacker’s largest standalone battery energy storage asset to date .
  • The term loan will support the construction of a portfolio of community solar projects in the northeastern US.
  • Subscribers can also lower their power bills by receiving credits for the energy generated by their share of the community solar project.

EQS-News: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment completed for Phase One ZERO CARBON LITHIUM™ Project

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023

Vulcan Energy Resources Limited (Vulcan, ASX: VUL, FSE: VUL, the Company) announces that its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Phase One of its Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project (Project) has been completed by ERM.

Key Points: 
  • Vulcan Energy Resources Limited (Vulcan, ASX: VUL, FSE: VUL, the Company) announces that its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Phase One of its Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project (Project) has been completed by ERM.
  • Vulcan is advancing Phase One of its ZERO CARBON LITHIUM™ Project: the first integrated project delivering renewable energy and lithium, from Europe for Europe.
  • Key outcomes of the ESIA report:
    The environmental and social baseline, impact assessment, and cumulative impact assessment completed by ERM is in line with lenders’ requirements to ensure a level of environmental performance prior to the furnishing of debt finance, e.g.
  • Vulcan’s ESG Lead, Storm Taylor, commented: “The completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment marks a significant milestone in the advancement of our Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project.

Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (MCB) Acts as Mandated Lead Arranger in Apex’s Egyptian Natural Gas Investment

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 2, 2023

Apex will now own interests in eight Western Desert concessions (six of the eight concessions will be operated by Apex).

Key Points: 
  • Apex will now own interests in eight Western Desert concessions (six of the eight concessions will be operated by Apex).
  • The acquisition is being financed in part through a senior secured borrowing base facility with The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (‘MCB’) acting as Mandated Lead Arranger, Modelling Bank and Hedging Bank.
  • Prior to financing this project, MCB applied the Equator Principles to proactively identify and mitigate environmental and social risk.
  • Apex also expects to commence its first natural gas production during the second quarter of 2023.

EQS-News: EcoGraf Limited: Epanko Graphite Project Development

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, January 22, 2023

EcoGraf Limited (EcoGraf or the Company) (ASX: EGR; FSE: FMK; OTCQX: ECGFF) is pleased to advise that it’s concluded negotiations with the Tanzanian Special Presidential Government Negotiating Team in relation to the Framework Agreement for the development and operation of the Epanko Graphite Project (Epanko or the Project).

Key Points: 
  • EcoGraf Limited (EcoGraf or the Company) (ASX: EGR; FSE: FMK; OTCQX: ECGFF) is pleased to advise that it’s concluded negotiations with the Tanzanian Special Presidential Government Negotiating Team in relation to the Framework Agreement for the development and operation of the Epanko Graphite Project (Epanko or the Project).
  • The Government of Tanzania is currently completing its approval processes to enable signing of the Framework Agreement, which is expected to occur early next year and represents an important requirement for the financing and development of the Project.
  • As a result, Epanko represents a long-term, expandable source of high-quality natural graphite to supply global industrial markets and provide feedstock for the Company’s vertically integrated battery anode materials business.
  • In recent months, GR Engineering Services has been completing an updated estimate of Epanko capital and operating costs, with the results to be reported during the first quarter of next year.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Ltd aims to help Africa transition towards low-carbon

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, October 22, 2022

These projects are crucial milestones in the electrification goals of these respective countries and in their transition from fossil energy to more renewable, low-carbon energy sources.

Key Points: 
  • These projects are crucial milestones in the electrification goals of these respective countries and in their transition from fossil energy to more renewable, low-carbon energy sources.
  • Prior to joining those three projects, MCB applied the Equator Principles to proactively identify and mitigate environmental and social risks.
  • Moreover, the gas conditioning plant will produce cleaner fuels and establish Ghana as a significant producer and exporter of LNGs.
  • This demonstrates the potential of natural gas to act as a transition fuel that can help Africa achieve its development agenda.

Hunton Andrews Kurth Strengthens Texas Energy Presence with Additions of Tax and Project Finance Attorneys Will Freeman and Alex Choinski

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2022

DALLAS and HOUSTON, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to welcome tax partner William Freeman and project finance counsel Alex Choinski .

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS and HOUSTON, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to welcome tax partner William Freeman and project finance counsel Alex Choinski .
  • Freemans U.S. tax practice includes advising on issues that span the tax code and involve corporate tax, partnership tax and U.S. international tax.
  • Freeman began his career at Hunton Andrews Kurth as an associate in the firms tax group, before he moved in-house in 2007.
  • Freeman and Choinski are the latest of several recent key hires Hunton Andrews Kurth has made in Texas.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Ltd Aims to Help Africa Transition Towards Low-carbon

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 17, 2022

These projects are crucial milestones in the electrification goals of these respective countries and in their transition from fossil energy to more renewable, low-carbon energy sources.

Key Points: 
  • These projects are crucial milestones in the electrification goals of these respective countries and in their transition from fossil energy to more renewable, low-carbon energy sources.
  • Prior to joining those three projects, MCB applied the Equator Principles to proactively identify and mitigate environmental and social risks.
  • Moreover, the gas conditioning plant will produce cleaner fuels and establish Ghana as a significant producer and exporter of LNGs.
  • This demonstrates the potential of natural gas to act as a transition fuel that can help Africa achieve its development agenda.

Cathay FHC Highlights Urgent Need for Restoring Biodiversity Through Nature-Based Solutions and Pro-Nature Investments During UNGA 77 and Climate Week NYC

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 23, 2022

Damaged ecosystems, for example, exacerbate climate change, threaten food security, and put people and communities at risk.

Key Points: 
  • Damaged ecosystems, for example, exacerbate climate change, threaten food security, and put people and communities at risk.
  • On September 21, during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77) and Climate Week NYC, Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd., joined the World Biodiversity Summit, a pioneering global public-private partnership that bridges climate and biodiversity agendas.
  • Cathay FHC also understands that "speed and scope" are important in a unified effort to fight climate change.
  • With a presence in 12 markets in Asia, Cathay FHC is dedicated to becoming a leading financial institution in the region.

Cathay FHC Highlights Urgent Need for Restoring Biodiversity Through Nature-Based Solutions and Pro-Nature Investments During UNGA 77 and Climate Week NYC

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 23, 2022

Damaged ecosystems, for example, exacerbate climate change, threaten food security, and put people and communities at risk.

Key Points: 
  • Damaged ecosystems, for example, exacerbate climate change, threaten food security, and put people and communities at risk.
  • On September 21, during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77) and Climate Week NYC, Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd., joined the World Biodiversity Summit, a pioneering global public-private partnership that bridges climate and biodiversity agendas.
  • Cathay FHC also understands that "speed and scope" are important in a unified effort to fight climate change.
  • With a presence in 12 markets in Asia, Cathay FHC is dedicated to becoming a leading financial institution in the region.