In a release this week, French energy giant Engie (formerly GDF Suez) announces it has issued a third Green Bond for a total of up to EUR 1.25 billion ($1.5 billion) to support its ambitious development strategy in renewable energies and energy efficiency. With this transaction, the total amount of bonds issued by ENGIE in Green Bond format since 2014 reaches EUR 5.25bn ($6.3 billion), confirming the Group’s commitment to play a leading role in the energy transition whilst supporting the development of the green finance.
The proceeds of this bond will be used to finance the Group’s growth in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects, and in natural resources preservation projects, as well as R&D investments in such areas and equity participations in projects of the social impact ENGIE fund “Rassembleurs d’Energies”. As reminder, the method and criteria pertaining to the funds allocation process are defined in a “Framework” designed for the green bond issuances of the Group and available on the website of the issuer. The issue was made with the support of an unqualified Second Party Opinion delivered by Vigeo Eiris agency and published on ENGIE website.
The Green Bond comes with two tranches: a long 5-year and 5-month totalling EUR500 million with a 0.375% annual coupon, and a long 11-year and 5-month of EUR 750 million with a 1.375% annual coupon. In addition, a third tranche of EUR750 million, 20-year maturity and a coupon of 2% was issued, for general purpose. With an average duration of 13.1 years and an average coupon of 1.36%, the Group takes advantage of the currently favourable rate environment to lengthen the duration of its debt at very attractive conditions. Engie is working on a number of geothermal projects, among others in Indonesia and France through its subsidiary Storengy.
Source:Thinkgeoenergy
