FRB CLIMATE ACTION FACILITY

The facility will provide funding to FirstRand Bank Limited (FRB) to support the development and upscaling of solar photovoltaic and wind renewable energy investments in South Africa, in line with the EIB Climate Action eligibility criteria.

The aim is to enhance access to finance for independent power producers operating in South Africa to implement low-carbon and climate resilient project, which will lead to a substantial reduction of carbon emissions.

The operation intends to generate environmental benefits by supporting renewable energy (i.e. solar photovoltaic projects, onshore wind) schemes that help to mitigate climate change. The underlying schemes would fall under the Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU (amending Directive 2011/92/EU), if located within the EU, requiring the competent authorities to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is required. In such case, the Borrower will ensure that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is carried out and that public consultation is undertaken in accordance with national legislation and the EIB environmental and social standards. The EIB will assess the capacity and procedures of the Borrower to ensure the underlying schemes' compliance with national environmental, social and biodiversity regulations, as well as with the EIB's environmental and social standards.

The EIB will require the Borrower to ensure that implementation of the underlying schemes will be done in accordance with the EIB's Guide to Procurement.