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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Ready to get started?

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Strategies for Investing in Renewable Energy

Strategies for Investing in Renewable Energy

Joost Notenboom

Explore how investors can optimise renewable energy investments by balancing financial returns with responsibility and inclusion. Discover strategies for financing, due diligence and unlocking value in green energy projects.

Explore how investors can optimise renewable energy investments by balancing financial returns with responsibility and inclusion. Discover strategies for financing, due diligence and unlocking value in green energy projects.

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Strategies for Investing in Renewable Energy

17 mins 2 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the driving forces behind investor appetite for renewable energy

  • Outline practical investment strategies for financing and owning renewable energy projects

  • Understand how to incorporate responsible business practices into due diligence frameworks

  • Outline opportunities for value protection and creation

Overview:

When investing in renewable energy, we need to be aware of strategies that optimise both financial returns and sustainability impacts. Investors can tap into a fragmented market through various approaches: purchasing debt or equity, acquiring assets, or becoming lenders or owners. These investments are increasingly attractive due to the market’s shift toward commercial viability, reducing reliance on subsidies.

Responsible investing is not just about profitability it requires robust due diligence to mitigate risks, such as those related to biodiversity or community acceptance. Through strategic pre-investment analysis and fostering responsible practices, investors can protect and enhance value. Moreover, tools like sustainability-linked loans and ESG frameworks offer mechanisms to integrate accountability into financial operations.

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Summary
Why are investors increasingly drawn to renewable energy investments?

Renewable energy offers a compelling combination of market opportunity and sustainability impact. The sector’s transition from subsidy dependence to standalone commercial viability makes it particularly attractive. Investors can achieve steady returns through mechanisms like long-term contracts and inflation hedges. A growing focus on climate-aligned strategies, as seen in pension funds reallocating billions towards green investments, is a key driver. Investors are increasingly motivated by dual returns—financial gains coupled with measurable sustainability impacts.

What investment strategies can be employed?

  1. Purchasing debt or equity – Direct investments in listed companies like Iberdrola or through private market intermediaries. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also offer diversified exposure
  2. Acquiring assets – Direct ownership of solar, wind, or battery projects
  3. Becoming lenders or owners – Providing financing to projects or owning renewable infrastructure

How can investors ensure responsibility in their renewable energy ventures?

The EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) encourages investors to consider potential negative impacts, such as biodiversity risks or supply chain issues. Responsible practices can be embedded into agreements through shareholder clauses, side letters, or periodic reporting frameworks.

Ensuring responsible operations not only aligns with regulatory expectations but also mitigates risks and enhances project credibility. For instance, biodiversity concerns must be addressed during planning stages to avoid costly setbacks, as demonstrated in the Valeco wind farm case.

What role does due diligence play in investment success?

Thorough pre-investment due diligence is crucial for identifying environmental, social, or governance risks that could undermine a project. Outputs typically include red flag reports that highlight risks and recommend mitigation measures. Failure to account for risks can result in financial losses and reputational damage. For example, a renewable energy developer faced costly dismantling of its wind farm due to ecological risks that were overlooked during planning.

How can responsible practices drive value creation?

Sustainable business practices contribute to cost reductions, enhanced EBITDA margins, and long-term market value. Initiatives such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and employee retention generate tangible financial benefits.

Responsible practices positively impact valuations during exit events. There is empirical evidence that suggests that firms demonstrating high sustainability maturity can command premium valuations, as noted in a KPMG survey where 65% of dealmakers confirmed willingness to pay more for responsible companies.

What role do sustainability-linked loans play?

These loans tie financial terms to sustainability performance metrics, such as emissions reductions or diversity targets, incentivising companies to adopt responsible practices while offering quantifiable value creation opportunities.

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Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom

Joost Notenboom, a seasoned professional with experience in professional services, banking, investment, and funds management, is currently the Head of ESG & Sustainability at Omnes Capital, a French private equity firm focusing on energy transition and innovation, aiming to combine positive societal impact with attractive financial returns.

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