- Wallonie Entreprendre takes €100 million EIB loan to promote small and mid-sized renewable energy projects by predominantly private companies in Wallonia.
- The financing will benefit the green transition and help lower energy bills in Wallonia.
- The lending will focus on solar panels, wind power and energy storage systems, while also financing electric vehicles (EV) charging and energy efficiency in buildings.
The European Investment Bank will support Wallonie Entreprendre in its efforts to support the green transition of businesses in the Walloon Region. The availability and cost of energy play a crucial role in making the green transition possible and affordable for businesses and citizens. Therefore, financial support for installing renewable energy systems and energy storage systems, can boost the uptake of this technology. The operation is fully aligned with the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan.
The EIB and WE have now signed a loan agreement that will support a total portfolio of around €134 million in lending to local businesses, helping them to take part in the green transition. Apart from financing solar photovoltaic, onshore wind projects and associated electricity storage systems, the loans from WE can also support EV charging stations and investment in photovoltaic panels manufacturing. Investments in energy efficiency in buildings and industries to decarbonise industrial processes, such as electrification, waste heat recovery, and energy-efficient equipment upgrades in manufacturing environments are also expected.
Robert de Groot, vice-president of the EIB, commented: “In the framework of the energy transition, sustainable energy infrastructure and storage will be a key factor in reaching climate objectives while also supporting the economy and competitiveness. Since the transition should be a just one for everyone, small businesses that are already facing a difficult economic climate deserve a little support, so that they can benefit, too. Less pollution and lower energy bills should be shared objectives – and responsibilities! We are glad to partner with Wallonie Entreprendre to boost this strategy in the region.”
Wallonie Entreprendre’s Executive Committee member Olivier Bouchat added: “This partnership with the EIB marks a key milestone for WE Environnement and the broader green transition in Wallonia. With this financing, we will be able to scale up our support to a wide range of concrete and impactful projects – from renewable energy production and storage to energy efficiency and decarbonisation of industrial processes. It’s a powerful lever to foster a more competitive, resilient and climate-aligned economy.”
The EIB Group has previously supported Wallonie Entreprendre through both the Bank itself and its subsidiary the European Investment Fund, which had also worked with WE’s predecessor Sowalfin. All final lending decisions rest with WE.
Background information
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB's financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
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Wallonie Entreprendre contributes to Wallonia’s economic development through awareness programmes and by supporting and financing Wallonia-based companies in a wide range of sectors, including energy , life sciences, deep-tech and aerospace. It provides, alongside private investors, equity and debt financing to companies of all sizes and at different stages of their development. In doing so, WE contributes to the development of ecosystems in order to generate employment, create value and attract further investment.