Saudi Electricity readies dollar bond deal
One of the sources said Saudi Electricity plans to sell green sukuk, or Islamic bonds, whose proceeds would be used for environment-friendly projects. In June, the company published a green sukuk framework
DUBAI: State-controlled Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the kingdom’s electric transmission monopoly, plans to issue U.S. dollar-denominated bonds soon, four sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
The potential issuance would come amid a flurry of debt sales in the Gulf, including $1 billion in dual-tranche bonds sold by Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) last week.
One of the sources said Saudi Electricity plans to sell green sukuk, or Islamic bonds, whose proceeds would be used for environment-friendly projects. In June, the company published a green sukuk framework.
SEC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Governments and corporates in the Gulf have been increasingly tapping debt investors over the past few years to raise cash in an era of weak oil prices and low global rates.
Funding needs have intensified this year as pressure mounted on their finances following the twin shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and lower oil prices.
Last month, SEC – the main electricity producer in Saudi Arabia with 81.1% indirect government ownership – said it had signed a 9 billion riyal ($2.4 billion) syndicated Islamic loan with local banks.
Source: reuters
