Project Finance

Curzon specialises in raising finance for renewable energy projects often with associated carbon offsets. Curzon is active in wind and solar projects with an emphasis on Africa. Curzon is working on projects in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. All aspects of financing are advised upon including development and build & operate funding. A deep understanding of the wind and solar power industries in particular allows Curzon to advise on appropriate funding sources for most activities. It has access to operating debt and equity providers, gap financing specialists, vendor financing, project insurance and government agencies. Its links with the World Bank and African Development Bank in particular are often critical to unlocking a project financing structure. Curzon also has other forms of renewable energy on its radar including biomass.

Curzon also raises funding for forestry projects whether these are forestry plantation businesses, reforestation projects or avoiding deforestation. The revenues of these projects can be largely derived from the sale of carbon offsets and the UNFCCC REDD initiative is particularly welcome.

An integral part of the financing structure is an assessment of whether carbon offsets may be available and advising on securing these offsets. In voluntary carbon markets, activities that reduce green house gases produce Verified Emission Reductions that can be sold to companies or individuals wishing voluntarily to reduce their carbon footprint or indeed become carbon "neutral" where they are not in a position to reduce their own emissions directly.

The voluntary aspect of the carbon market has developed rapidly, creating real commercial opportunities for sustainable reforestation projects and projects aimed at reducing deforestation and degradation of forests, thereby assuring their long-term financial viability and survival.