The AFR Sustainability Leaders list celebrates Australian and Australasian companies that are making real progress in addressing sustainability challenges while delivering business value.
ACCIONA Energía’s selection in the Resources, Energy & Utilities category acknowledges its innovative approach to sustainable financing. Its Sustainable Impact Financing Framework combines green and sustainability-linked finance with a commitment to deliver positive outcomes for the communities where projects are built. With over €12 billion issued globally, and including major Australian projects like its MacIntyre Wind Precinct and Aldoga Solar Farm in Queensland, the framework ensures that ACCIONA Energía’s projects deliver both environmental and social benefits and that these benefits are delivered to local communities.
ACCIONA Energía was recognised for its partnership with Queensland Farmers Federation to deliver the Energy Southern Queensland (EnergySQ) program, which was funded through the innovative model. The two-year initiative, running from April 2023 until April 2025, supported more than 80 farmers across QLD, focusing on the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi regions in proximity to ACCIONA Energía’s MacIntyre Wind Precinct. The program provided free energy audits and tailored advice to help farmers reduce emissions, cut energy costs, and improve productivity, demonstrating how sustainable finance can directly benefit local communities. The audits identified over 260 practical recommendations, including solar and battery options, tariff changes, and equipment upgrades. If implemented, these changes could save over 2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 223,000 litres of diesel annually.
QFF has assisted farmers across Queensland for over a decade to improve their energy efficiency on farm. ACCIONA Energía was pleased to be able to support the delivery of the Energy SQ initiative which also included the reduction in emissions opportunity that energy efficiency can facilitate.
Most recently, ACCIONA Energía has finalised its latest dual impact financing structure at its Aldoga Solar Farm by including the development of regenerative agriculture programs for farmers in the Gladstone area, with specific indicators to measure their impact and progress.
Through Local Impact Initiatives, ACCIONA Energía supports regional communities with relevant programs through experienced partners, ensuring the renewable energy transition is inclusive and community-driven.
This year’s recognition follows the 2023 inclusion of ACCIONA as overall winner for sustainability impact in the same prestigious list. The winning submission demonstrated the role of ACCIONA’s Sustainability Master Plan.
Read more about ACCIONA’s approach to sustainable finance here: https://www.acciona.com/shareholders-investors/sustainable-finance