Nissan has launched a new "sustainable finance framework" it says will help it fund next-generation electrified vehicles, batteries, environmental technologies, and new mobility services.
The manufacturer said proceeds from a series of bonds and loans offered by group companies will be used to support projects in Nissan's use of renewable energy, clean manufacturing systems, electric vehicle re-charging infrastructure, battery re-use and autonomous drive technologies. Eligible projects will ultimately be decided by a new committee while Nissan has published the framework which sets out three key themes of 'social', 'sustainable' and 'green'.
A statement from the firm said: "The launch of the Nissan Sustainable Finance Framework is the latest initiative to position sustainability at the core of the company’s business, reflecting Nissan’s corporate purpose of 'Driving innovation to enrich people's lives'. Nissan continues to grow as a company through global business activities while contributing to solving various issues facing society. In doing so, Nissan continues to provide value to stakeholders and support the development of a sustainable society."
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The move follows Nissan's unveiling of its EV360Zero system in Sunderland, bringing together a new battery plant and locally sourced green energy to power production - a blueprint the firm said it will expand into other markets around the world. The Japanese car maker said the plan would create more 1,600 jobs at Sunderland, along with a further 4,500 in the supply chain.
As part of the £420m investment, Nissan has partnered with global battery specialist Envision AESC and Sunderland City Council. EV360Zero will comprise three interconnected initiatives bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.
Last month, renewables investor Atrato Onsite Energy took over the development of Nissan's 20MW solar power farm of 37,000 panels, adjacent to the Sunderland plant. The £10.6m deal will see Atrato - which specialises in 'private wire' renewables projects - complete the installation of the farm and then sell power generated to Nissan on a 100% take-or-pay basis.
Separately, it has been reported that the automotive giant is mulling plans to let customers in Japan rent its electric cars in a bid to reuse batteries. The manufacturer is said to be looking at the benefits of retaining ownership of vehicles so that key components - including the rare earth metals used in batteries - can be recycled.
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