Rabobank Wholesale Europe & Africa

Countries like Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are leading the way in the electric bus sector, leveraging their wealth and climate policies to make significant strides. Our RaboResearch colleagues have released an insightful report about the trends reshaping public transport and the future of electric city buses in Europe. In this evolving landscape, larger markets such as Germany and France are catching up, necessitating OEMs to adapt quickly to meet new regulatory targets. New EU regulations mandate OEMs to shift production towards zero-emission buses, aiming for 90% sales by 2030. This regulatory push is creating a dynamic environment for all players involved. Additionally, the increasing competition from Chinese and Turkish manufacturers is reshaping the market, with China's overcapacity threatening European cost competitiveness. This competitive pressure underscores the need for European manufacturers to innovate and stay ahead. A key factor driving these changes is battery technology. Ongoing innovations in this field are driving down costs and increasing energy density, making electric buses more viable and enhancing their performance to meet the rigorous demands of urban public transport. See the link in the comments to read more. #PublicTransport #UrbanMobility #ElectricBuses

On International Youth Day 2024, we are proud to introduce Sarah Theunissen, a Young Associate in Sustainable Business Development at Rabobank. Since joining us in 2020, Sarah has championed key banking transitions, including advocating for a future-proof food system, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Younger colleagues like Sarah bring fresh perspectives to complex challenges, such as developing more sustainable business practices. Sarah’s passion lies in the working in the sustainability sector. Inspired by her love for nature and countless outdoor adventures, she believes in living in harmony with our environment. Whether kayaking, hiking the 498 km long Pieterpad, or opting for a bicycle over a car, Sarah embodies sustainable living. Her experience working on a vineyard in Germany taught her that happiness lies in small, meaningful actions. Within Wholesale Banking in Europe & Africa, Sarah engages with clients in the High-tech & Digital sector. Her mission? To promote energy-efficient technologies, reduce electronic waste, and advocate for digital tools that support sustainability efforts. Sarah firmly believes that even small steps can create a positive impact on our planet. As a member of Jong Rabo, Sarah connects with young professionals across associations. Their exchange of ideas fuels innovation and drives positive change. At Rabobank, we celebrate our young professionals—the architects of a better world. Join us in celebrating Sarah Theunissen and the entire generation shaping Rabobank’s future! #sustainability #sustainablefinance #internationalyouthday #jongrabo

According to a recent report from #RaboResearch, the global aquaculture industry shows signs of improvement in the second half of 2024. Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Seafood Specialist, emphasizes the sector's resilience: "Despite ongoing biological challenges in farming salmon and shrimp, the industry is supported by the recovery of Western economies. Feed costs are anticipated to decrease thanks to a rebound in fish meal supply, providing a silver lining for the industry." The Rabobank animal protein sector team will attend the 3rd Global Shrimp Forum from September 3 – 5, 2024, in Utrecht, The Netherlands. On September 5th, Gorjan will chair the GSF Finance and Investment Summit, discussing the current acceleration of inorganic growth in the shrimp industry and examining how financial investors perceive the risks and opportunities of a buy-and-build strategy in the shrimp value chain. To download his latest research, click on the link: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_jeGax7 (Rabobank Clients Only) or reach out to Gorjan via DM or in the comments. #aquaculture #marketupdate #sustainablebanking

Today, Rabobank published its half-year figures. In the first half of 2024, we achieved a strong result thanks to good business performance. Chair of the Board 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗻𝗲: "I am proud of the strong results. These results enable us as cooperative Rabobank to do more for society. In the video below, 𝗕𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 and I tell you more about this.” "A good example is the Rabo Sports Action. During these Olympic Games, we see once again how important sport is. That is why, as Rabobank, we want to encourage young athletes to become or remain a member of more than 20,000 different sports clubs in the Netherlands. Maybe we can give the future Olympic champions a helping hand.” "I would like to thank all customers and colleagues. Rabobank is a bank for us all. I look forward to the second half of this year, when we will continue to show what our bank can do for its customers and society.” Read more about our interim results here: 🔗www.rabo.nl/results #growingabetterworldtogether

Robots are on the minds of all the executives surveyed by RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, which conducted a study on robotization among over 20 midsized Dutch food producers. The technology ambitions and concerns of these Dutch companies are likely not much different from those of their European peers. We believe the survey results give a good indication of where the industry is heading. Food manufacturers are increasingly turning to robotics as essential partners for their workforce. Automation is seen as the key to raising labour productivity and retaining staff. From meat processors to bakers, and from dairy to dry grocery producers, food companies of all sizes see the potential. Nearly all cite the lack of skilled personnel as the primary driver for robotization, alongside benefits like improved working conditions, reduced physical strain, and cost reductions through increased efficiency. Robotization isn't a quick fix - it requires planning, investment, and skilled technical staff. But the payoff is clear: higher productivity, consistent product quality, and greater flexibility in responding to market changes. The future of the food industry is already unfolding. Automation goes beyond mere efficiency; we anticipate that food processors will delve even deeper into solutions that enhance their business’s resilience in production and agility in meeting customer demands. With our global network, local presence, and deep industry insights, we support clients through value chain transitions in 37 countries. Let's partner together to drive the transition to a sustainable food system. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eJUG2JWG #FoodIndustry #Robotics #Innovation #FutureOfWork

The Dutch power market, while fully integrated into the northwest-European electricity network, maintains unique characteristics that set it apart. As this dynamic market rapidly evolves, understanding its intricacies is essential. Curious about how the energy transition presents new opportunities and how to mitigate risks? Insights from RaboResearch provide a detailed exploration of what lies ahead, bundled in a collection of articles that help you navigate and leverage the shifting landscape of the Dutch electricity sector. Although much remains uncertain, one certainty is the increasing demand for flexibility in the sector. 🔗 Read the full series here: https://lnkd.in/ggncX2Du 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭: Who are the players and what is their role? An overview of the different players in the Dutch electricity sector. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮: How does the Dutch electricity market work? Explaining wholesale markets, balancing markets, and the congestion market. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯: Developments affecting the Dutch electricity markets, such as electricity demand, the supply of electricity, and grid congestion issues. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟰: The evolution of the different electricity markets and how they are likely to develop, presenting both opportunities and risks for businesses and households. #energytransition #sustainablefinance

Alpha Trains, a leader in leasing passenger trains and locomotives in continental Europe, is dedicated to contribute to modal shift and increase the share of electric and battery-electric vehicles within its fleet. Rabobank is proud to support Alpha Trains in expanding low-CO2-emission transport, having acted as Mandated Lead Arranger and Hedge Provider on this transaction. Founded in 2008 as a spin-off from the British rolling stock leaser Angel Trains, Alpha Trains is owned by the APG, Arcus, PGGM and Swiss Life. The company maintains a diversified fleet of 520 locomotives and 493 passenger trainsets. Our partnership with Alpha Trains underscores our commitment to supporting the energy transition and promoting sustainable transport. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Alpha Trains as they continue their sustainability journey. #netzero #sustainablefinance #railway

Eneco and Rabobank have introduced an innovative financial structure tailored for companies seeking long-term green energy contracts, even if they lack a credit rating. This credit support structure has already facilitated agreements for Plukon and De Heus, enabling these Dutch companies to procure electricity from the future Ecowende offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. In the Energy Transition, bold solutions are essential to balance the increasing future supply and demand capacity. The new credit support structure exemplifies how Rabobank is broadening opportunities for more companies to utilise offshore wind energy through a guaranteed financial solution. Our approach eliminates the need for a traditional credit rating, enabling more companies to purchase green energy from wind or solar parks. This innovation allows a larger group of companies to access green energy, providing a guarantee to the park and reducing risks for the developer. We are proud partners in this collaborative effort with Eneco, Scholt Energy, De Heus Voeders B.V., and Plukon Food Group. Together, we are committed to advancing the transition towards a more balanced sustainable energy supply and demand, thereby supporting the Dutch sustainability ambitions. #greenenergy #sustainablefinance #ppa #creditrisk 

In a world where natural resources are increasingly under pressure, it is important to innovate and commit to finding a balance between human needs and sustainable practices. Rabobank comes across businesses every day that impress us with their ability to manage their sustainable footprint. We would like to congratulate our clients, including ASML, Philips, Ahold Delhaize, Mowi, SalMar, KPN, and Ørsted, who qualified for the TIME Magazine Top-500 Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. This recognition is a testament to their efforts to improve sustainable operations. As a bank, our goal is to provide them with access to our financial solutions, knowledge, and networks to support their success, and we are proud to help them in their ambition. Interested in the full list? Read here: https://lnkd.in/dAxy8_Ag #SustainableFinance

What do plastics and green bonds have in common? Perhaps not so much at first sight. But for our colleague, Daniël Poolen, it is daily business. As Head of Sustainable Capital Markets within the bank, his team focuses on advisory of Sustainable Bonds with special focus on the European Green Taxonomy. During the Sustainable Borrowers Day at the Global Borrowers & Bond Investors Forum in London, Daniël represented Rabobank in a panel discussion about the latest developments in the sustainable fixed income market. Banks play a key role in prioritizing the financing of sustainable businesses and activities. Not only do we need to make our operations more sustainable, but we also help our clients do the same. Rabobank supports a future-proof food system and the transformation from fossil fuels to stable, affordable, and sustainable energy suppliers, working together with our clients, governments, and other stakeholders. Daniël is also a strong advocate against plastic pollution. Daniël has published a Dutch children's book titled 'Head over Heels with Plastic' (Tot over mijn oren in het plastic). In his book he elaborates on the historical context of the use of plastics and its environmental impact. We are proud of Daniel’s passion, as he embodies our cooperative sustainability ambitions! #sustainablefinance #greenbonds #plasticpollution #plasticfree