In November 2019, NDB approved a non-sovereign loan of USD 300 million to Vale S.A., one of the most important players in the mining and logistics sector in Brazil. The facility was structured as a dual currency loan in USD and RMB, an innovation that allowed Vale to drawdown USD 10 million equivalent in RMB. The project aims to improve the company’s logistics and trading capacity in its northern system by supporting a double-tracking and remodelling of the Carajás Railway and the expansion of the Ponta da Madeira Port Terminal, which will increase Vale’s capacity to transport iron ore from its mines to ports and then to global markets.

As of end-2020, implementation had proceeded as scheduled and funds were ready for full disbursement. According to NDB’s SDG mapping, the project will directly contribute to SDG 9.

Going forward, NDB would like to continue to build a growing portfolio with the private sector in member countries, to complement the larger portfolio of sovereign loans. It also would like to continue to strengthen its links with relevant national and global players in the infrastructure sector to help draw experience from projects that entail significant ESG considerations.

In August 2017, NDB approved a sovereign loan of USD 460 million to Russia to support its judicial system. It was the Bank’s first project in the social infrastructure area. The project aims to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of the Russian judicial system, especially through the implementation of a set of innovative technology solutions incorporating digital workplace and digital justice. Its long-term expected effects encompass the promotion of a business-enabling infrastructure in the country through faster and more reliable courts. Halfway towards its full implementation in 2023, the JSSP has completed several planned activities, with concrete development outputs.

In the Federal Bailiffs’ Service (FBS), an initiative of digital workplace is being rolled out, including videoconferencing and mobile workplaces systems. An improved centralized system is under development with enhanced processes. The key activities planned toward the project’s full implementation include the development of the use of artificial intelligence technology and pilot implementation of artificial intelligence-based systems.

The JSSP is aligned with SDG 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

NDB is fully committed to continuing to work with member countries on building a portfolio of projects with impactful lessons on improving national institutions design and operations, thus contributing to sustainable development in EMDCS.

In 2016, the Bank approved a sovereign loan of USD 350 million to India to improve the connectivity of rural roads in major districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh, a landlocked state that is India’s second largest state by area and fifth by population. Madhya Pradesh is located at the intersection of North-South and East-West corridors of the country but its road coverage is relatively limited.

As of end-2020, disbursements have amounted to two-thirds of the loan. Construction works have rebuilt or upgraded about 1,215 km of road length, benefitting 917 villages. Upon completion, the project is expected benefit 4 million people.

In September 2018, NDB approved two additional projects in Madhya Pradesh totalling USD 525 million to provide support to the construction of bridges and roads. Together, the three projects aim to comprehensively address the challenges of road connectivity in the state.

The project is primarily aligned with SDG 9 on building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation and inclusive and sustainable industrialization. Additional contributions to SDG 3 on health and well-being have been identified.

NDB is proud to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects that bring real changes to people’s lives, creating new education and health opportunities and improving local livelihoods.

In 2016, NDB approved a loan of RMB 2 billion to China to support the Phase 2 (250 MW) of an offshore wind power plant to be set up in the Pinghay Bay, in Putian, Fujian Province. The total project cost is RMB 5 billion and entails the generation of 873 million kWh of electricity per year. By generating electricity from a renewable energy source, the project will avoid the emission of 870,000 tons of CO2 annually.

By the end of 2020, the project’s implementation was well underway, with 73% of disbursements made. The installation of 22 turbines was completed in October 2020 and all turbines have been producing energy. The project has a strong technological component and represents the world’s first solution for a large-scale, single-pile foundation to support the wind turbines, which significantly reduces costs for the installation of turbines in rocky seabed areas.

The Putian Pinghai Bay offshore wind power project is directly aligned with SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on urgent climate action. It is emblematic of the Chinese technological progress and leadership in the production of offshore wind energy, which has increasingly benefitted other countries around the world.

NDB is fully committed to continuing to support projects with a clear role in combatting climate change through clean energy projects. Ensuring a smooth energy transition to a low-carbon economy entails tremendous efforts from market economies and developing countries, which could immensely benefit from increased access to affordable financial and technological solutions from the global development community.

In April 2016, NDB approved its first project to South Africa, a sovereign-guaranteed loan of USD 180 million to ESKOM, the country’s main power utility. The project aims to facilitate the provision of adequate and reliable supply of electricity across the country by expanding the transmission of renewable energy. The project also supports South Africa to achieve the emission trajectory targets of its international commitments. The project comprises six sub-projects, three of which are under implementation and should be completed in June 2021, namely Ankerlig Sterrekus 400kv transmission line, Kronos sub-station and Komsberg sub-station.

Once completed, the project will add 1,000MVA transmission transformer capacity and 352.5 km transmission lines. It will contribute to the reduction of total energy losses and facilitate the development of 18,000 MW additional generation capacity to the grid, of which 7,000 MW will be generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, landfill gas, small hydro, small projects.

The project is aligned with SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on urgent climate action. The area of clean energy received strong demand from member countries, especially in the first years of the Bank’s operation. As we go forward we expect to build a strong portfolio to share experiences and lessons learned with the development community network.