Project Details
Project
JSW Hydro Energy Limited Second-Party Opinion (2021)
Client
JSW Hydro Energy Limited
Project Type
Green Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Utilities
Use of Proceeds
Renewable energy
Location
India
Evaluation Date
May 2021
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the JSW Hydro Energy Green Bond Framework is credible and impactful and aligns to the four core components of the Green Bond Principles 2018. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible category for the use of proceeds, Renewable Energy, is aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles 2018. Sustainalytics considers that the eligible projects are expected to provide environmental benefits in India, as they support increased lifespan and/or improved performance of existing hydropower generation projects and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 7.
PROJECT EVALUATION / SELECTION
JSW has established a Green Bond Committee (the “Committee”) which is comprised of members from Finance, Accounts and Sustainability teams which will meet on an annual basis. The Committee will be responsible for evaluating, selecting and approving projects in the Green Project Portfolio. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
A Green Project Portfolio will be established to track the allocation of net proceeds from Green Bonds issued to Eligible Green Projects, which will be reviewed by the Committee and Treasury team on an annual basis. The committee will be headed by the Vice President of Finance. JSW will strive to allocate net proceeds of bonds within 24 months of issuance. Pending full allocation, net proceeds will be held in line with general liquidity guidelines in cash, cash equivalents and/or other liquid marketable instruments. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
JSW intends to report on the allocation and impact of proceeds on its website on an annual basis until full allocation. JSW will publish a Green Bond Report which will disclose the total amount of outstanding green bonds, share of proceeds used for financing vs. refinancing, size of the project portfolio, a breakdown on project category and project basis, any shortfalls in amount of assets unallocated, and illustrative examples of Eligible Green Projects to which Green Bonds net proceeds have been allocated. In addition, JSW is committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views JSW’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.