Unlocking $1 Trillion: The Bankability Challenge in Industrial Decarbonisation Artwork

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Climate Confident - Practical Climate Solutions That Cut Emissions

Unlocking $1 Trillion: The Bankability Challenge in Industrial Decarbonisation

April 02, 2025 • Tom Raftery / Faustine Delasalle • Season 1 • Episode 214

0:00 | 34:00

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In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I sat down with Faustine Delasalle, CEO of the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), to delve into the real challenges, and opportunities, of decarbonising heavy industry and transport.

Faustine and I explored the current state of industrial decarbonisation, including the progress made over the last five to six years in proving that sectors like steel, cement, and shipping can transition to low-carbon alternatives. But as she points out, technical feasibility doesn’t always translate into financial viability. The sticking point? Making green industrial projects bankable.

We discussed the role of the so-called "green premium" (or dirty discount), why demand signals are crucial, and how the current lack of buyers at scale is stalling momentum. Faustine makes a strong case for the combination of policy mandates and targeted subsidies to unlock investment - drawing comparisons with the growth trajectories of solar and electric vehicles.

A key takeaway from our chat: the path to scaling green hydrogen could start with ammonia, which Faustine sees as the first domino in the next industrial revolution. We also looked at which regions are moving fastest, what’s holding others back, and why emerging economies might play a central role in the coming decade.

If you're in policymaking, finance, or industry, and serious about accelerating climate action, this is one to tune into.

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