Project finance schemes
A way to fund complex, risky, and costly projects Examples include large, long-term infrastructure, industrial, and public service projects. Parties, involved include sponsors, lenders, contractors, governments, and off-takers, who share the risks and rewards of the project. They differ from traditional financing in several key ways:
Focus on Project Cash Flow: Unlike loans secured by existing assets or the borrower's creditworthiness, project finance relies primarily on the future cash flow generated by the project itself to repay debt and provide returns to investors. This makes it particularly suitable for ventures with strong revenue potential but limited existing assets.
Non-Recourse or Limited Recourse: Project finance often uses non-recourse or limited recourse structures. This means that project sponsors, the individuals or companies behind the project, are not personally liable for repaying the debt if the project doesn't generate enough income. The risk and reward are primarily tied to the project's success.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): Projects are typically financed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a separate legal entity established solely for the project. This isolates the project's finances from the sponsors' other ventures and protects their other assets.
The significant uncertainty, and complexity necessitates careful financial modeling is essential to assess the risks and potential rewards of any given project.