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The Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) supports low-carbon entrepreneurs to get their businesses and projects ready for investment. It then connects them with the investors who can help them grow.
Funded by the UK Government, the CFA provides hands-on technical support and creates structured opportunities for entrepreneurs, developers, financiers, and public partners to work together to unlock climate finance where it is most needed.
India stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, balancing rapid economic growth with the urgent need for climate action. Currently, India ranks fourth globally in total renewable energy installed capacity and fourth in wind power, while also ranking third in solar power capacity and generation. The country has set ambitious climate goals under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), committing to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% and achieve 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, with long-term target of achieving net zero by 2070. The underlying climate vulnerability of the country is creating a strong demand for climate-aligned investment. Equity funding in climate finance increased by 95% to USD 9.41 billion in 2024 from USD 4.8 billion in 2023. Investor interest is growing, across climate sectors, but key challenges such as project bankability and scalability concerns remain to be addressed.
The CFA works with businesses and projects that are actively seeking finance and can meet the following criteria:
- Measurable climate impact: Designed to achieve measurable climate outcomes in terms of direct or facilitated greenhouse gas emission reductions.
- Minimum ticket size: Have a minimum total financing need of at least USD5 million, with flexibility where sector dynamics, growth stage, or capital-structure needs justify a smaller raise.
- Stage of development: Project finance deals must have completed a full feasibility study (a technical and financial assessment confirming engineering design, costs, risks, and viability).
- Commercial model: Have a business model capable of generating attractive, risk-adjusted returns over time, although some element of blended or concessional capital may be required in early stages.
- Sectoral focus: Provide a solution within priority sectors: energy transition, electric mobility, and sustianable cooling.
- Responsible business conduct: Not engage in activities included in the CFA exclusion list (available as PDF by clicking ‘Apply to Join CFA’)
- Positive environmental and social outcomes: Propositions should either demonstrate positive environmental and social impacts or show a genuine commitment to meaningfully integrating gender equality, disability, and broader social inclusion, recognising that some applicants may still be developing these elements.