UK Pension Fund Boosts Investment in Climate Opportunities Fund for Net Zero Transition
Key Ideas
  • The £10.2bn UK Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund has increased its commitment to the climate opportunities fund by an additional £350m, supporting the transition to net zero by 2030.
  • This investment includes projects in hydrogen technology, synchronous condensers, battery storage systems, and lithium-ion battery creation, aligning with the fund's focus on climate-positive areas.
  • In addition to the climate opportunities fund, the pension fund has invested in natural capital, allocating funds to forestry projects in Scotland and Wales to generate returns through sustainable practices.
  • SYPA's investments aim to combat climate change, with a significant portion of its portfolio dedicated to climate opportunities and natural capital, reinforcing its dedication to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
The UK's £10.2bn Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund has ramped up its support for the climate opportunities fund by injecting an extra £350m, in addition to its initial £245m investment made in 2022. This move is part of the fund's strategy to transition to net zero by 2030. The Border to Coast opportunities portfolio, where the investment is directed, focuses on a range of projects including hydrogen technology, synchronous condensers, battery storage systems, and lithium-ion battery creation. George Graham, the director of SYPA, highlighted that this additional allocation emphasizes the fund's commitment to investing in initiatives that facilitate the transition to a net-zero economy. SYPA's portfolio reflects a 6% commitment to 'climate opportunities,' with approximately £595m invested in Border to Coast's product and nearly £100m in other mandates. Moreover, SYPA has diversified its investments by committing £175m to a side-car arrangement with Border to Coast, aiming to enhance exposure to renewables and natural capital. In parallel with climate-focused investments, the pension fund has allocated funds to natural capital initiatives, including investments in forestry projects. This includes a commitment of £80m to Campbell Global for international forestry funds and £50m to Gresham House for acquisitions in Scotland and Wales. Jayne Dunn, the chair of SYPA, emphasized the fund's sustained dedication to climate action and combating greenhouse gas emissions. The investments in forestry are intended to provide resilient returns while supporting the fund's net zero journey and biodiversity. By leveraging Border to Coast's Climate Opportunities fund, SYPA can strategically align its investments with climate-positive areas, reinforcing its commitment to achieving net zero goals. Additionally, the fund's investment in natural capital projects demonstrates its holistic approach to sustainable investing and climate mitigation efforts.
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