The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) has approved more than $300 million in new financing in the first quarter of 2023 for funding Climate Action Plan. Three out of the four projects approved by the OPEC Fund’s Governing Board directly support climate finance.
Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, Director General of OPEC Fund, said: “The OPEC Fund is proud to deliver on its climate commitments and ensure a positive impact for people and planet. These efforts will aid our partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America to enhance their climate policies while boosting resilience to climate change.”
The OPEC Fund adopted its first dedicated Climate Action Plan in September 2022. The plan commits the organization to increase the share of its climate financing to 40 percent of all new financing by 2030 and to mainstream climate action into the project cycle, increasing climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience investments in energy, transport, agriculture, food, water and smart cities.
The OPEC Fund Governing Board approved the following projects:
Armenia: A €50 million loan will support policies for increasing climate resilience and mitigation through a series of reforms concerning energy efficiency, air quality standards and to finance environmental impact assessments.
Colombia: A US$150 million loan will support policies for the promotion of sustainable and resilient growth by fostering the government’s capacity to plan climate action and promote energy transition.
India: A US$100 million loan will help finance a 56 km ring road around one of the country’s largest cities, serving a population of more than 4 million people. The financing will also be supported by a US$410,000 grant, which will contribute to project preparation and implementation.
Seychelles: A US$20 million loan will help the country strengthen policies to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Among the planned actions are climate-related reforms to land development, consumer data protection and fishing regulations.