SYDNEY, 8 APRIL 2025 – ACEREZ Partnership (“ACEREZ”) has achieved Pre-Issuance Certification under the Climate Bonds Standard for its green loan. This marks a significant milestone in Australia’s sustainable finance market, aimed at financing the development of electrical grids and storage infrastructure in New South Wales (NSW).  

The green loan will support the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a key initiative from the NSW Government to transition away from coal-fired power and harness the state’s abundant wind, solar, and storage resources. ACEREZ will use the proceeds to finance the Central-West Orana REZ Transmission Project, aligning with the Climate Bonds Standard’s criteria.  

The Pre-Issuance Certification, verified by DNV Business Assurance Australia Pty Ltd, ensures that the Loan meets the highest global standards for environmental integrity and transparency. Climate Bonds Certification provides investors with confidence that the proceeds will be allocated exclusively to projects delivering measurable climate benefits, supporting NSW’s transition to a low-carbon economy.  

Sean Kidney, CEO & Co-Founder, Climate Bonds Initiative: 

“ACEREZ’s green loan will accelerate the decarbonisation of NSW’s energy system while setting a bold new standard for green finance in the country and beyond. This is a transformative moment for the region’s clean energy transition.” 

Setting a benchmark for Australia 

  ACEREZ’s loan represents a positive step in scaling up sustainable finance in Australia. The loan highlights the growing investor appetite for credible green investments in Oceania. The Certification process involved a rigorous assessment of ACEREZ’s Green Finance Framework, ensuring alignment with the Climate Bonds Standard and the Green Loan Principles (GLP).  

With this issuance, ACEREZ reinforces its leadership in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development, contributing to NSW’s ambitious climate goals and the global transition to net-zero emissions.