Today’s ESG Updates
- Trump Administration Approves SAF Loan: The U.S. Energy Department approved a loan for Calumet’s sustainable aviation fuel refinery, with an uncertain future under Trump.
- Sasol Partners for Renewable Diesel: Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers signed a deal to pilot renewable diesel in South Africa.
- EU Raises €5B in Green Bonds: The European Commission raised €5 billion in Green Bonds for climate projects and Ukraine aid.
- OCC Exits Climate Coalition: The OCC withdrew from the Central Bank climate coalition, focusing on its statutory duties.
Trump administration grants approval for a sustainable aviation fuel refinery loan
The U.S. Energy Department approved a loan guarantee for Calumet to diversify its Montana Renewables refinery, lifting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production from 140 million to 315 million gallons annually. The future of the loan stands ambiguous under Trump’s administration, as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency propels spending cuts. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act had raised the Loan Programs Office’s authority by $100 billion, stirring anxiety among green energy supporters about potential rollback. Businesses can invest in sustainable practices using ESG solutions.
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Further reading: Trump administration approves sustainable aviation fuel refinery loan
Sasol, partners enter a JDA to regulate feedstock for renewable diesel
Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers signed a Joint Development Agreement to pilot renewable diesel production in South Africa. The project will test crops like Solaris and Moringa for vegetable oil extraction.. De Beers is providing land for trials in Limpopo and the Free State. If successful, this initiative could establish a local renewable fuel market, aiding industries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions without equipping major system changes.
Photo Credit: Patrick Hendry
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Further reading: Sasol, Partners Sign JDA to Pilot Feedstock for Renewable Diesel
EU secures €5 billion through NextGenerationEU green bonds to fund climate projects
The European Commission raised €11 billion through a dual-tranche bond issuance, including €5 billion in NextGenerationEU Green Bonds. Investor demand was strong, with the 7-year bond oversubscribed 13 times and the 25-year green bond 14 times, totaling €145 billion in bids. Funds will support NextGenerationEU programs, Ukraine aid, and green projects. This brings total 2025 funding to €26.5 billion toward a €90 billion H1 target, with the next EU-Bill auction on February 19.
Photo Credit: Christian Lue
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Further Reading: EU Raises €5 Billion in NextGenerationEU Green Bonds to Fund Climate Projects
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency withdrew from the central bank climate coalition
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) disassociates from the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System, citing its statutory responsibilities. Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood emphasized the OCC’s focus is on supervising national banks and federal savings, not climate issues. The OCC joined NGFS in 2021, appointing a climate risk officer, but Hood did not determine if the role would continue. Businesses can use ESG solutions to integrate sustainability practices into their business operations.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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Further reading: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency latest to exit central bank climate coalition
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
