Standard Chartered supports landmark EUR514 million green financing for battery materials plant in Finland

London, 9 July 2026 – Standard Chartered announces the successful signing of a EUR514 million multi-export credit agency (ECA) backed green financing for Easpring Finland New Materials Oy, supporting the development of a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery cathode active material (CAM) manufacturing plant in Kotka, Finland. 

Standard Chartered acted as Lead Arranger, Joint Green Loan Coordinator and Lender in the financing, which combines support from both China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) and Finnvera, the Finnish export credit agency.

The project will fund the construction of a strategically important facility that is expected to help address Europe’s supply gap for critical battery materials, strengthen the resilience of the regional electric vehicle (EV) battery value chain, and support the continent’s long-term energy transition ambitions. 

The project represents a landmark example of Sino-European industrial collaboration in the new energy sector, combining China’s advanced battery materials expertise with Europe’s growing demand for localized, secure and sustainable EV supply chains. 

Eleanor Weir, Executive Director, Development & Agency Finance at Standard Chartered said: “The energy transition will be shaped not only by the technologies we develop, but by our ability to build the industrial supply chains that support them. Easpring’s investment in Finland represents an important step in strengthening Europe’s battery materials ecosystem and creating the resilient supply chains needed for long-term sustainable growth. This transaction shows Standard Chartered at its best: connecting clients, capital and strategic partners across markets to deliver financing for projects that matter. The involvement of Finnvera and Sinosure also underlines the vital role export credit agencies can play in unlocking long-term capital for strategically important industrial projects.”

In addition to arranging the financing, Standard Chartered supported the project through a broad range of banking solutions spanning capital flows, cash management and foreign exchange. The project also supports the internationalisation of the Renminbi (RMB), with RMB being actively used in the investment structure. 

As Joint Green Loan Coordinator, Standard Chartered worked with Easpring Finland New Materials Oy to confirm the project’s eligibility under the Green Loan Principles as a clean transportation project and helped structure the financing in line with internationally recognised sustainability standards, including the Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. 

The combination of SINOSURE and Finnvera support enhanced the competitiveness of the financing package by providing access to longer-term funding, attractive pricing and diversified funding sources, further strengthening lender confidence in the project. 

Upon completion, the Kotka facility is expected to play a significant role in strengthening Europe’s domestic battery materials ecosystem and supporting the continued growth of the EV market across the region. The Kotka facility’s first phase is designed to produce 60,000 tonnes of CAM annually, with the potential for significant future expansion as European demand for battery materials grows, helping to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport across Europe. The project will also make a substantial contribution to Finland’s growing battery ecosystem. The facility is expected to create approximately 270 permanent jobs once operational. 

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For further information please contact:

Denada Muka
Communications, Europe
Standard Chartered Bank
Tel: +44 7884476951
Email: Denada.Muka@sc.com

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