EIF and HYPO NOE Partner to Empower Austria’s Energy Transition with New Sustainable Investment Programme

EIF and HYPO NOE Partner to Empower Austria’s Energy Transition with New Sustainable Investment Programme

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien have partnered under the InvestEU programme to provide up to €43 million in green financing for Austrian SMEs and small mid-caps. The initiative supports energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainability-driven innovation, helping local companies reduce costs and emissions while boosting competitiveness. The collaboration underscores both institutions’ commitment to driving Austria’s green transition and economic resilience.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 6-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group, has joined forces with HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien to unlock up to €43 million in new green investments for Austrian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps. This landmark guarantee agreement aims to support energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and cost reduction measures for businesses across Austria, marking a major step in the country’s path toward a sustainable and competitive economy.

Signed at the EIB Group’s Vienna office, the agreement is backed by the InvestEU Portfolio Guarantee programme under its Sustainability Product for SMEs and Small Mid-Caps. The scheme will allow HYPO NOE to offer loans under improved terms, enabling local companies to invest in cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy performance and lower carbon emissions.

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, responsible for operations in Austria, described the collaboration as “an important signal to Austrian entrepreneurs at a time of high energy costs and economic uncertainty.” He added, “By supporting energy efficiency and green innovation, we are backing the future of businesses that invest in long-term resilience and competitiveness. Together with Hypo Noe, we are helping cut energy bills, support jobs, and accelerate the green transition in one of Europe’s most dynamic SME sectors.”

HYPO NOE’s Management Board spokesperson Wolfgang Viehauser highlighted that the partnership allows the bank to offer “tailored financing solutions with more favourable conditions” to local companies. “This cooperation provides a significant boost for Austrian entrepreneurs eager to invest in energy-saving technologies and renewable energy production,” Viehauser said. “It not only helps them lower their energy costs and seize opportunities in a recovering economy but also strengthens our long-standing mission to pair regional expertise with European support for a sustainable and robust economy.”

The financing framework will support a wide range of projects — from industrial equipment modernization and insulation improvements to the installation of renewable energy systems, battery storage, and smart energy management solutions. By sharing the risk through the EIF guarantee, HYPO NOE can extend financing at lower interest rates, making the transition to cleaner, more efficient operations both feasible and attractive.

For Austria’s energy-intensive industries, the programme offers a chance to shield themselves from volatile energy markets while improving competitiveness and reducing environmental impact. Businesses interested in applying for the green loans can contact HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien for more information on eligibility and available funding instruments.

Background information  

EIB  

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.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien

HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien AG is the largest and oldest regional bank in Austria. With the State of Lower Austria as its sole owner, the bank benefits from a secure foundation. Key elements of its strategy include the continued expansion of modern digital services, personalized advisory expertise through its branch network, and financing projects that provide social value.

In the area of sustainability, HYPO NOE Landesbank’s “Prime” status from ISS ESG highlights its position as one of the best in the industry.

Press contacts

EIB: Richard Willis, willis@eib.org, +352621555758

HYPO NOE: Florian Liehr, florian.liehr@hyponoe.at, +43 664 883 07 399

SOURCE: European Investment Fund