Although a global energy transition already started, there is an urgent need to scale-up low-carbon investment flows in order to keep global warming well below 2°C and try to stay below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels –as established in the Paris Agreement.  

Developing and emerging economies will account for a major increase in global carbon emissions (to the tune of 20%) by 2035 under business as usual –driven by population growth and socio-economic development. To effectively curb emissions, an estimated US$90 trillion of Infrastructure investment is required globally by 2035. Public finance alone cannot bring about the transformation required.  

In developing countries, however, the mobilisation of private investment in low-carbon infrastructure is discouraged by high investment risks associated to technical, regulatory and financial barriers. As a result, project financing costs can be up to 46% higher than in developed countries.  

It is critical to identify effective policies that can reduce investment risks and project financing costs –with the aim of accelerating the mobilisation of private investment and making it consistent with NDCs.  

This high-level roundtable session will build actionable solutions to the challenge of higher investment risks in developing countries. It will take an inclusive governance approach, encompassing all levels of climate action.  

In session I, the participants will discuss policy and financial de-risking solutions to unlock private investment, drawing on real-life cases of solar and wind tenders in developing countries (i.e. Morocco, India, and other BRICS).  

In session II, the participants will explore the main barriers and solutions to accelerate investment in low-carbon infrastructure at sub-national level (i.e. cities, regions & states).