Karachi, [13 Dec, 2024] – InfraZamin Pakistan and Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Co Ltd signed a landmark transaction to provide an 11.5-year Distributed Solar Financing Facility to Acumen Energy Limited (Acumen) for PKR 1.28 billion. The Facility will be backed by a PKR 1.04bn credit guarantee to Saudi Pak and will mark InfraZamin’s first foray into renewable energy.
The transaction, supported by Private Finance Advisory Network (“PFAN”) and Capital Resource as the advisors, will enable Acumen Energy Limited to finance the development of approximately 12 MW of solar power projects across Pakistan.
Climate financing is a key focus area for the both InfraZamin and Saudi Pak underscoring their commitment to supporting sustainable development. Acumen Energy Ltd, a majorly owned subsidiary of the Ghulam Rasool and Company is a greenfield venture that aims to provide cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable power to commercial and industrial customers. With significant savings of CO2 emissions – approximately 6,500 tons annually, this project would also try to tap into the lucrative carbon credit market over its lifetime.
Maheen Rahman, CEO of InfraZamin Pakistan, stated: “This transaction represents our mission to enable private sector participation in sustainable infrastructure development. By providing a credit guarantee for renewable energy projects, InfraZamin is paving the way for affordable and clean energy solutions that align with Pakistan’s climate goals. This Facility is the longest tenor we have guaranteed to date and is a landmark transaction that will open the door to long-term financing of infrastructure which is commensurate with the needs of the business. We are grateful to the vision of Saudi Pak and Acumen leadership, with whom we have worked alongside, to help bring this transaction to culmination.”
Sharing his thoughts, Naeem ul Hasan, Director and CEO of Acumen Energy Limited, remarked: “We are grateful for InfraZamin’s support in making this project a reality. By enabling cost-effective solar power solutions, we aim to transform energy access for customers across the country, driving economic growth while reducing environmental impact. The impact of this project will be diverse, generating business opportunities worth approximately PKR 1,600 million for local suppliers, including solar panels, steel, cables, wires, and engineering sectors, to name a few. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the USAID funded Private Finance Advisory Network (hosted by UNIDO and REEEP) and Capital Resource for their unwavering support, over the years, in conceiving and executing this land mark transaction”
Adding his thoughts on the development, Rizwan Ahmed, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Ltd. commented: “This collaboration underscores our commitment towards advancing renewable energy projects in the country. Saudi Pak is proud to work alongside InfraZamin Pakistan and Acumen Energy Limited in driving Pakistan’s transition to a greener and more sustainable energy future. Together, we are not just financing projects but building a cleaner and more resilient economy.”
About InfraZamin
InfraZamin Pakistan, a AAA rated credit enhancement firm, is deeply committed to supporting the infrastructure development of Pakistan through private-sector engagement. With a strong focus on sustainable development, InfraZamin collaborates with public and private stakeholders to unlock investment opportunities, mitigate credit risks, and mobilize capital for crucial infrastructure initiatives. By leveraging its expertise and partnerships, InfraZamin aims to contribute significantly to the nation’s infrastructure development agenda and pave the way for a prosperous and resilient future. InfraZamin Pakistan is funded by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and Karandaaz Pakistan.
About Saudi Pak
Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Limited (Saudi Pak) is a development financial institution, jointly sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Saudi Pak has over 40 years history of successfully promoting investments in industrial and agriculture-based projects in the country.
Saudi Pak has evolved into a development focused, impact driven wholesale financial entity. By financing projects that align with responsible and sustainable growth, Saudi Pak stands committed to contributing towards economic development of Pakistan by transforming ideas into investments for environmentally friendly, inclusive, and impactful projects.
About Acumen Energy
Acumen Energy Ltd (AEL) is an emerging renewable energy company that aims to invest and operate clean energy projects across Pakistan with a particular focus towards distributed solar power projects where our company takes will investment and operation responsibility of providing clean energy to commercial, industrial, health care and educational institutes at discount to grid rates.
About Capital Resource
Capital Resource is a boutique corporate finance advisory and consulting firm with in-depth experience of facilitating private sector infrastructure and focus towards promoting clean energy financing. In the past, the team at Capital Resource has successfully advised private sector corporates in structuring complex financing solutions including local currency credit enhanced financing transactions backed by GuarantCo and InfraZamin.