The London SPE Net Zero Gaia committee, with thanks to our sponsors ERC Evolution, is very excited to bring you this discussion on financing the Energy Transition.
About this event
Technology solutions enable energy transition and finance – drives it. To shed light on the current themes and outlook of renewable energy project financing across Europe and the globe, SPE London Net Zero committee has gathered three industry experts to give their take on “Finance for Energy Transition”.
Transition to clean energy is well underway, but the growing urgency to achieve it till 2050 has highlighted the role and importance of finance. Often viewed as a massive business opportunity, energy transition is surrounded by many financial challenges that require immediate action. From investment into developing value chains with high-risk and low margins to shareholder pressure on incumbent energy market-players, a global refocus is taking place amongst major investors. Yet, a complicated balance lies between providing reliable, affordable, and low carbon energy.
To help us understand the optimal investment portfolios, issues with carbon offsetting, cost implications, energy security and role of oil & gas companies in this transition, we were joined by three leading industry experts.
1- Tsvetelina Kuzmanova (E3G) will discuss the role and impact that policy can have on project financing with a greater focus on EU.
2- David Cunningham (Gneiss Energy) will provide his expertise on renewable project financing and cost implications.
3- Yrjo Koskinen (University of Calgary) will combine his knowledge of corporate and sustainable finance to discuss investment portfolios.
About the speakers
- Tsvetelina Kuzmanova: is a sustainable finance policy advisor at the independent think-thank E3G. Her role is focused on legislative reforms at the EU level with an aim to drive public and private sector investment into climate-neutral projects. Prior to joining E3G, Tsvetelina spent three years working on EU legislation in sustainable finance and financial innovation. She has also worked on international development projects in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, specialising in renewable energy and infrastructure. Tsvetelina holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Political Science and Diplomacy from Yonsei University, South Korea.
- David Cunningham: is a director of renewables, clean-tech and sustainability at the strategy and corporate finance advisory firm Gneiss Energy. He holds over 20-year experience in equity, debt and structured finance transactions with a focus on renewable energy infrastructure and cleantech businesses. Prior to joining Gneiss Energy, David has also held roles at Wood, Barclays and J.P Morgan. He has been rated as a number 1 Extel equity analyst and has originated and executed seven IPOs on the London stock exchange and numerous private placements in cleantech and renewables.
- Yrjö Koskinen: is the BMO Professor of Sustainable and Transition Finance at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary. He also serves on the advisory board of the Institute of Sustainable Finance at Queen’s University and the steering committee for the Canadian Sustainable Finance Network. Yrjö’s main research areas are corporate finance and governance, and sustainable finance. His current research focuses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and how they affect trading and prices in financial markets. He holds an MSc degree in Economics from the University of Helsinki, and a PhD in Management from INSEAD.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:04:24 Financing the Energy Transition
0:15:18 Sustainable Finance - EU Policy Landscape
0:25:14 Finance for Energy Transition
0:32:49 Interactive Q&A
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