400 MW, enough to supply green energy to 445,000 households.The wind farm will be built
in the North Sea, about 180 kilometres northwest of Bremerhaven (Germany) at a depth of
40 metres. The offshore installation process is scheduled to be completed by June 2013.
Rabobank experienced firm growth in the US and Canada in terms of project finance; both
onshore wind energy projects and solar energy projects were funded in these countries.
REIF also operates in Asia, where it funded a Chinese onshore wind project in collaboration
with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC provides incentives for the development
of the private sector in developing countries and in countries in transition. IFC is a division of
the World Bank Group (WBG).
International rural and retail banking
In the year under review, initiatives were taken to integrate sustainable practices in the
international rural and retail business of Rabobank International, prime examples being the
introduction of responsible investment practices at Bank BGZ, and the development and
finance of renewable energy solutions for customers of Rabobank N.A. in the US.
Communication and awareness
We organised in-house debate sessions for our account managers and credit analysts in the year
under review. During these sessions, we not only talked about the commercial opportunities of
sustainability, but also about how to manage the associated risks. Rabobank International is
regularly involved in different internal and external meetings, seminars and other events.
Together with Cooperative Affairs Sustainability, Rabobank International again co-initiated
and co-organised the International Supply Management Congress in 2011
Increase in share of food and agri in lending
Total private sector lending at Rabobank International increased by 8% in 2011, rising to
EUR 106.6 (99.1) billion. In the Americas, lending was up 5% to EUR 41.5 (39.7) billion. In Europe
(not including the Netherlands), the growth rate was 9%, propelling private sector lending to
EUR 28.0 (25.6) billion. Loans to Dutch corporate clients saw a 17% increase to EUR 13.5 (11.5)
billion. Loans to the food and agri sector grew by 15%, rising to EUR 50.9 (44.1) billion,
accounting for 47.7% (44.5%) of total lending. Loans to the trade, industry and services (TIS)
sector were up 2% to EUR 50.6 (49.7) billion.The economic slowdown was felt in particular in
the industrial sector and the wholesale industry. Loans to private individuals stood at EUR 5.2
(5.4) billion.
Loan portfolio by sector
in billions of euros
Loan portfolio by region
at year-end 2011
Food and agri
TIS
Private individuals
100
America 39%
Europe (excluding the Netherlands) 26%
Australia and New Zealand 17%
The Netherlands 13%
Asia 5%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
40
Annual Report 2011 Rabobank Group
