Energy Storage & Grid Infrastructure

Source Metadata

CBI Sector Criteria

The CBI Electrical Grids and Storage Criteria (published November 2021) define eligibility for grid infrastructure and energy storage assets. Transmission and distribution infrastructure is eligible when it enables integration of renewable energy or improves grid efficiency. Storage systems must support decarbonization of the electricity system rather than prolong fossil fuel generation.

Eligible Activities & Assets

Eligible assets include: battery energy storage systems (utility-scale lithium-ion, flow batteries, and emerging chemistries); pumped hydroelectric storage facilities; grid-scale compressed air and gravity storage; transmission lines and substations enabling renewable energy evacuation; smart grid infrastructure including advanced metering and demand response systems; interconnectors linking grids to facilitate renewable energy trade; and grid modernization investments reducing technical losses.

Certification Process

Verifiers assess whether grid infrastructure projects demonstrably support renewable energy integration or reduce system emissions. Pre-issuance assessment includes grid planning studies showing the infrastructure's role in decarbonization. Storage projects must demonstrate that charging is predominantly from low-carbon sources. Post-issuance monitoring tracks grid emissions intensity trends and renewable energy integration metrics.

LATAM Market Context

Grid infrastructure investment is critical across LATAM, where renewable energy zones are often distant from demand centers. Brazil's extensive transmission buildout to connect wind-rich northeastern states to southern demand centers has attracted green bond financing. Chile's grid interconnection projects and Colombia's grid modernization program present significant bond issuance opportunities in the region.

Colombia Green Finance Taxonomy Alignment

The TVC includes electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure as eligible when it supports renewable energy integration. Colombia's Plan de Expansión de Transmisión prioritizes renewable energy evacuation from La Guajira and Santander. Smart grid and storage investments align with both CBI and TVC criteria as enabling infrastructure for Colombia's energy transition.

Cleantech Taxonomy Crosswalk

Maps to Cleantech Taxonomy sector ES (Energy) — specifically ES-GR (Grid Infrastructure) and ES-ST (Energy Storage). Cross-references to XS (Cross-Sectoral) for smart grid and digitalization components, and to IC (ICT) for advanced grid management systems.