EXIM Bank Secures $200M World Bank Loan for Clean Energy

EXIM Bank Managing Director Chalatch Ratbunnithi announced the bank is partnering with the World Bank and Krungthai Bank on a $200 million low-carbon city and carbon market development project, with the Ministry of Finance as the lead agency. The government will use financial mechanisms to stimulate private investment in clean energy alongside carbon market development to accelerate Thailand's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Under the project, EXIM Bank receives a $200 million World Bank loan guaranteed by the Ministry of Finance to on-lend to certified ESCOs for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in public sector agencies. Bangkok and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) serve as pilot agencies. The project expects to support 180 megawatts of installed renewable capacity and save approximately 448 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year, reducing public sector energy costs while creating business opportunities for clean energy entrepreneurs and serving as a model for expansion.

This initiative demonstrates using financial mechanisms to turn environmental targets into actual investment by linking government, private sector, and international funding. It also promotes public sector energy conservation as a new investment opportunity and enhances Thai entrepreneurs' competitiveness. Thailand presented the project as a model for government financial mechanisms driving low-carbon transition at the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will host from October 12-18, 2026. "As Thailand's specialized state financial institution, EXIM Bank stands ready to connect global capital to Thailand's green investments, ensuring the low-carbon transition creates new opportunities for Thai businesses and sustainably strengthens Thai entrepreneurs' competitiveness," Ratbunnithi said.