Mizuho Bank, Ltd., has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GenZero, a decarbonization investment platform owned by Temasek. The agreement aims to develop and scale up transition credits, a financial tool that incentivizes the early retirement of coal fired power plants.
What Are Transition Credits?
Transition credits are an innovative financial instrument that helps transition from coal to cleaner sources. The process measures CO2 emissions from coal-fired plants and offsets them by reducing emissions when the plants retire. The reduction is translated into carbon credits sold to retire the plants and finance the transition to renewable energy.
These credits will promote industries, particularly hard-to-abate sectors, to shift towards cleaner energy alternatives, assisting in meeting worldwide carbon neutrality targets.
Mizuho Bank’s Decarbonization Commitment
In 2024, Mizuho Bank revised its policy, imposing stricter criteria for investments favoring the premature retirement of coal facilities. The bank will offer financing support only after confirming that the decarbonization strategies are sound and efficient.
Through its partnership with GenZero, Mizuho Bank will help advance carbon credit financing and collaborate on developing transition credit frameworks. The bank aims to further educate Japanese businesses on the benefits and mechanisms of transition credits.
A Collaborative Approach to Unlock Decarbonization Potential
Frederick Teo, CEO of GenZero, said, “As a major global economy, Japan’s technological capabilities, commitment to climate goals, and active participation in regional and international cooperation makes it an essential market in advancing Asia’s decarbonization agenda.
He added, “GenZero and Mizuho will leverage our collective expertise and regional connections to collaborate on energy transition opportunities, build greater awareness for transition credits, and unlock opportunities to support coal-to-clean initiatives. We look forward to working with Mizuho and other like-minded partners to scale decarbonization efforts, and to drive clean energy transitions, especially in Asia.”
Also read: Mizuho Financial Group partners with asset management firms to drive sustainable finance in Japan
Mizuho’s Focus on Scaling Carbon Credit Mechanisms
Mizuho strives to make carbon credits a more efficient funding instrument, speeding up decarbonization in the industry. The bank is convinced that large-scale funding by carbon credits will be crucial to reach carbon neutrality, particularly in challenging sectors.