New initiative to back EUR 43 million new business investment
Scheme to help Austrian companies to reduce energy bills and harness renewable energy

The European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group, and HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien have signed a new guarantee agreement to unlock up to EUR 43 million in new business investments for Austrian SMEs and Small Mid-Caps.

The cooperation will help reduce energy bills, harness renewable energy sources, and accelerate Austria’s green transition.

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer, responsible for Austria, said “This new agreement sends an important signal to Austrian entrepreneurs at a time of high energy costs and economic uncertainty. 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.”

EIF und HYPO NOE fördern grüne Investitionen österreichischer Unternehmen

Wolfgang Viehauser, spokesperson of the Management Board of HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien, said “Our collaboration with the European Investment Fund enables us to offer tailored financing solutions with more favourable conditions for businesses. This partnership is a significant impetus for Austrian entrepreneurs who want to invest in energy-saving technologies and renewable energy production. For instance, this allows them to reduce their energy costs and take advantage of the emerging economic upturn. At the same time, we are strengthening our long-term commitment to combine regional expertise with European support for a modern and robust economy.”

The agreement, signed today at the EIB Group Vienna office, is supported by the InvestEU Portfolio Guarantee programme under the Sustainability Product – SMEs and Small Mid-Caps component.

It enables HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien to provide loans on improved terms, making it easier for Austrian companies to invest in energy efficiency, green technologies, and renewable energy generation.

By sharing risk through an EIF guarantee, HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien will extend financing at reduced rates to businesses implementing measures that cut energy consumption and carbon footprints. The total expected investment volume reaches up to EUR 43 million.

For energy-intensive industries, the new financing creates a significant opportunity to reduce operating costs by modernising equipment, improving insulation, and adopting more efficient production processes. These targeted investments help safeguard competitiveness, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices, and improve the long-term sustainability of Austrian businesses.

The new green investment framework also supports companies in implementing innovative solutions such as renewable self-generation, battery storage, and smart energy management. Businesses aiming to upgrade their energy performance and cut costs can contact Hypo Noe Landesbank für Niederösterreich und Wien for details on the new financing instruments and eligibility criteria under the EIF guarantee programme.

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