UNEP online database lists lenders and investors in renewables

Applying the world of project finance from large fossil-fuel power plants to smaller renewable energy facilities, including PV projects, has proven to be no easy task. To address this, the United Nations Energy Programme's (UNEP) Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative launched a new web-based directory in February designed to help project developers and entrepreneurs find sources of capital for PV, energy efficiency, and other clean energy projects.

Looking for PV project money? UNEP's new database helps find the sources.

The subscription-free directory service includes over 100 firms in North America, East Asia, and Western Europe that offer debt capital, private equity, and public equity for PV projects, and about 200 firms in total. For example, the database includes Good Energies of Basel, Switzerland, a leading investor in PV, which together with private equity investor Apax Partners recently invested several million in Germany-based PV start up CSG Solar AG (see article, p. 7). However, Apax is not yet listed. Lenders and investors can register through an online application form.

The Sustainable Energy Finance Directory has the advantage over similar finance research databases, such as the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Clean Energy Investors Directory, as it is searchable by technology and region.

For UNEP's Sustainable Energy Finance Directory, go to:
www.sef-directory.net

Garrett Hering
© PHOTON International, March 2005