The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is partnering with Axis Bank, a private sector bank in India, to provide a $500 million loan.
This loan will boost the growth of the blue finance sector and increase the amount of green project financing in India.
With this partnership, IFC is launching its biggest green financing project in India to date and its first blue investment.
India’s rapid urbanisation and economic progress have increased demand for efficient water and energy systems.
The water and wastewater treatment market is anticipated to grow from $1.6 billion in 2022 to $3 billion in 2029.
Additionally, the need for sustainable infrastructure will fuel a large $1.4 trillion investment potential in the green buildings sector by 2030.
Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Axis Bank said, “With the increasing effects of climate change into the global ecosystem and the growing awareness of environment sustainability, it’s imperative for banks to adopt sustainable lending practices.”
He added, “Given Axis Bank’s focus on growing its climate and sustainable finance portfolios, along with its large size, systemic importance, and wide reach, we hope to be a strong and stable partner for IFC in the key focus area of climate finance in India.”
Also read: IFC Provides €500 Million Green Loan to ENGIE to Boost Renewable Energy Portfolio
Axis Bank has committed to provide Rs 60,000 crore to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors by 2030 and has already achieved Rs 30,000 crore in incremental financing by March 2024.
The bank improved its climate finance portfolio with a $500 million IFC loan, emphasising clean water resources and resource-efficient growth.
IFC also supported Axis Bank in expanding its green buildings portfolio and providing capacity-building services for impact reporting.
In addition, IFC has provided blue bonds and loans totalling more than $1.9 billion worldwide since 2020.