IFC’s First Climate-Smart Leasing Project in Ukraine Boosts Access to Green Finance

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a financing package of up to $50 million equivalent to OTP Leasing in Ukraine to scale up sustainable energy investments, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Ukraine is among the world’s most energy-intensive economies, partially attributed to its large industrial base with prevalently outdated and inefficient production technologies. Improvement of supply-side efficiency in the power sector, increasing the share of renewable energy, and enhancement of end-use energy efficiency are critical for Ukraine to sustain economic growth.

The long-term financing—currently not readily available in Ukraine, especially for SMEs—will enable businesses to acquire energy-efficient machinery and upgrade their facilities with modern equipment to support a lower carbon footprint. IFC’s first climate-dedicated investment in Ukraine’s leasing sector includes $20 million equivalent from IFC’s own account, $20 million from Climate Investment Funds, and a syndicated loan of up to $10 million equivalent.

“Historically, the scarcity of long-term funding has limited the ability of businesses, especially SMEs, to finance the acquisition of modern technologies and equipment,” said Andrii Pavlushyn, OTP Leasing CEO. “Our cooperation with IFC aims to help change that and encourage private sector investment in sustainable technologies.”

The Ukrainian leasing market is far below its potential for supporting businesses, especially SMEs. At the same time, sustainable energy financing and leasing make an ideal combination, as leasing products for businesses are especially focused on various types of energy-efficient equipment and machinery.

“Investment in climate change mitigation and sustainable growth is among IFC’s priorities in Ukraine,” said Georgina Baker, IFC Vice President for Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. “This first IFC green-leasing project in Ukraine aims to promote growth  in the country’s leasing sector, especially among smaller agricultural players and entrepreneurs. It will also help attract other investors, ultimately bolstering Ukraine’s climate finance market, enhancing access to finance, and creating jobs.”

IFC also has an ongoing advisory project that aims to develop new areas of green finance in Ukraine. The Ukraine Green Finance Program helps increase investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the country. During the last four years the project has helped provide green loans worth $800 million.

About Climate Investment Funds
The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) are unique financing instruments designed to initiate transformational change towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development through scaled-up financing channeled through the multilateral development banks, including IFC. CIF funding for this project is provided through the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). CTF provides developing countries with positive incentives to scale up the demonstration, deployment, and transfer of low carbon technologies with significant potential for long-term greenhouse gas emissions savings. For more information, visit www.climateinvestmentfunds.org.

About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org