Balance sheet capacity and strong banking relationships are the best chance the US has of making progress in offshore wind development. While both developers and lenders are accepting compressed returns, there’s still little concrete evidence of the emergence of a creditworthy US supply chain.

As more governments look to mimic Chinese-style development finance offerings, the recently signed Nachtigal hydro project financing is a perfect example of why they shouldn't.

While the ripple effect of sanctions is still creating uncertainty around new Russian business, German exporter and lender confidence is returning to the region. TXF spoke with Thomas Baum, head of underwriting at Euler Hermes, to discuss the German ECA’s busy petchem project pipeline in Russia, its increased risk appetite in Africa, and how its new digitalised ‘click and cover’ platform is streamlining access to export finance for SMEs.

Often priced at well below accepted market rates, Chinese official finance is a major hurdle to fair competition in the global export market. A growing number of governments are attempting to compete by circumventing OECD rules and blurring trade with aid. But adding more unfair trade practices risks the global official finance system self-combusting and ending any real chance of a lasting and fair resolution to the problem.

The 2019 expiration of the Investment Tax Credit is unlikely to put the dampers on a US offshore wind sector that looks set to take off.