Top 12 Wind Energy Investors in Europe
Top 12 Wind Energy Investors in Europe
The wind energy industry in Europe has emerged as a cornerstone for sustainable energy solutions. Comprising manufacturers, project developers, and technology innovators, the sector thrives on harnessing wind for electricity generation. Companies actively engage in producing wind turbines, developing offshore and onshore projects, and creating storage technologies to optimize energy use. As climate goals tighten and energy demands increase, the industry is forecasted to expand dramatically, with investments flooding in for innovative turbine designs and smart grid solutions. In fact, Europe champions about 43% of global offshore wind capacity, underscoring its pivotal role in the transition to greener energy alternatives.
This article highlights 12 notable wind energy investors in Europe, comprising various corporate and venture capital firms. Headquartered across cities like London, Eindhoven, and Paris, these investors range in size from small to large enterprises. Established between 1958 and 2017, their collective influence spans strategic areas in renewable energy innovations. With a significant number of deals in 2024—ranging from 3 to 198—these firms play an essential role in reshaping the green energy landscape, catalyzing growth, and introducing innovative solutions to the wind energy sector.
Top 12 Wind Energy Investors in Europe
1. European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Website: eib.org
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Luxembourg
- Founded year: 1958
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 99
- LinkedIn: european-investment-bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's mission includes promoting growth and job creation through funding initiatives. In the context of wind energy, EIB has been involved in several significant transactions, such as providing a €150 million loan to Iberdrola for the development of 400MW of PV and wind projects in Italy. Additionally, EIB has participated in debt financing for major companies like Vestas and Ørsted, which are key players in the wind energy market. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in financing renewable energy projects, particularly in the wind sector.
2. InnoEnergy
- Website: innoenergy.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 52
- LinkedIn: innoenergy
EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, providing training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has made significant investments in the wind energy sector, including a seed round investment in NabraWind Technologies, which raised $302,656 in November 2020, and a venture round investment of $1,287,794 in October 2019. Additionally, they participated in a financing round for WIND my ROOF, contributing to a total of €2M raised in October 2023, and also invested in a seed round for the same company in February 2020. Furthermore, InnoEnergy's investment in CorPower Ocean, which raised $34,748,238 in a Series B round in October 2024, highlights their commitment to renewable energy solutions, including wind energy.
3. Shell
- Website: shell.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 1907
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 20
- LinkedIn: shell
Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, that operates across the energy and chemicals sectors. Founded in 1907, Shell has evolved from traditional oil and gas extraction to include a broader focus on renewable energy sources. In recent years, Shell has made strategic investments in the wind energy sector, including a 50/50 joint venture with EDF Renewables North America to co-develop the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project in New Jersey, which has the potential to generate approximately 2,500MW of offshore wind energy. Additionally, Shell acquired a 49% stake in WestWind Energy in Australia, aiming to develop a low-carbon power generation business as part of a larger $4 billion renewable energy project portfolio. Furthermore, Shell's acquisition of Eolfi, a French renewable energy developer specializing in floating wind projects, highlights its commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and investing in innovative wind energy solutions. These transactions reflect Shell's strategic shift towards becoming a global integrated power business, with a significant focus on renewable energy, including wind.
4. European Innovation Council (EIC)
- Website: eic.ec.europa.eu
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Founded year: 1958
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: european-innovation-council-eic
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to the wind energy sector, such as its participation in a funding round for Modvion, a Gothenburg-based startup that raised €11 million to develop a 150-meter wooden turbine, which is expected to produce up to six megawatts of electricity. This involvement highlights the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the renewable energy space, particularly wind energy.
5. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération
- Website: bpifrance.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 198
- LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally by offering a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the wind energy sector, including a significant post-IPO debt investment in Boralex, a company focused on renewable energy, and participation in funding rounds for Qair, which is also engaged in renewable energy projects. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the wind energy industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.
6. BloombergNEF
- Website: about.bnef.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: bloombergnef
BloombergNEF is a research firm based in London, specializing in energy and commodity markets. Founded in 2004, they provide strategic insights and analysis to assist businesses and organizations in navigating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Their offerings include comprehensive research reports, summits, and a pioneering program that identifies innovative technologies for decarbonization. Notably, BloombergNEF has been involved in several transactions within the wind energy sector, including grants to Emrgya Wind Technologies, Romo Wind, and Blade Dynamics, among others. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting the development of wind energy technologies, reinforcing their relevance in the wind energy investment landscape.
7. Equinor
- Website: equinor.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
- Founded year: 1972
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: equinor
Equinor ASA, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating in the energy sector with a strong focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. Notably, Equinor has made significant investments in the wind energy sector, including acquiring a 10% stake in Ørsted, a leading offshore wind developer, for $2.3 billion. They also led a Series B financing round for United Wind, a company focused on wind energy solutions, and participated in funding for Danotek Motion Technologies, which develops technologies relevant to wind energy. These transactions highlight Equinor's active role in promoting and investing in wind energy initiatives.
8. Crowdcube
- Website: crowdcube.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited
Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In the context of wind energy, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions, including Kitemill, which raised $433,884 in April 2023, and Kitepower, which secured $980,625 in July 2022. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported Marine Power Systems, which raised significant funds in both 2020 and 2023, indicating its commitment to renewable energy solutions. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in fostering innovation and growth within the wind energy sector.
9. TotalEnergies
- Website: totalenergies.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: France
- Founded year: 1924
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 11
- LinkedIn: totalenergies
TotalEnergies is a corporate energy company based in France, founded in 1924, that focuses on producing and marketing a diverse range of energy solutions, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has made significant investments in the renewable energy sector. Notably, TotalEnergies acquired Vents d'Oc Energies Renouvelables, enhancing its renewable energy portfolio by approximately 200 MW, which aligns with its goal of achieving 7GW of renewable electricity production capacity by 2022. Additionally, while TotalEnergies has made substantial investments in solar energy, their involvement in wind energy through acquisitions and partnerships indicates a balanced approach to diversifying their energy portfolio.
10. Almi
- Website: almi.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: almi-ab
Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, that specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in SeaTwirl, a company focused on innovative wind energy solutions, and CorPower Ocean, which is developing wave energy technologies but operates within the renewable energy sector. Additionally, Almi has supported Waves4Power, which also operates in the renewable energy space. These investments highlight Almi's commitment to fostering growth in the renewable energy industry, including wind energy.
11. EQT Group
- Website: eqtgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 30
- LinkedIn: eqt-partners
EQT Group is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Recently, EQT has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy. Notable transactions include the acquisition of OX2, a company involved in renewable energy projects, and Tion Renewables, where EQT acquired a controlling stake, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its footprint in the wind energy market. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Clearvise AG further highlights its strategic investments in renewable energy assets, reinforcing its position as a key player in the wind energy industry.
12. Engie
- Website: engie.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
- Founded year: 1834
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: engie
ENGIE is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in renewable energy and energy solutions. Founded in 1834, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates globally with a strong emphasis on sustainability and decarbonization. In 2024, Engie has made notable investments, including a significant acquisition of a 51% stake in the Goya wind project in Spain, which consists of seven wind farms with a total capacity of 194 MW. This project is particularly noteworthy as it was the first renewable project in Spain built without subsidies. Additionally, Engie's acquisition of BTE Renewables for $1 billion includes wind assets, further enhancing their portfolio in the wind energy sector. Engie's strategy reflects a commitment to reducing energy costs and emissions through innovative renewable energy solutions, making them a relevant investor in the wind energy industry.
Wind Energy Insights: Key Investors in Europe
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
European Investment Bank (EIB) | Luxembourg | 1001-5000 | 1958 | 99 |
InnoEnergy | Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands | 201-500 | 2010 | 52 |
Shell | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 10001+ | 1907 | 20 |
European Innovation Council (EIC) | Brussels, Brussels, Belgium | 201-500 | 1958 | 57 |
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 1-10 | 2015 | 198 |
BloombergNEF | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2004 | 0 |
Equinor | Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway | 10001+ | 1972 | 6 |
Crowdcube | London, England, United Kingdom (UK) | 51-200 | 2010 | 3 |
TotalEnergies | France | 10001+ | 1924 | 11 |
Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
Engie | Paris, Île-De-France, France | 10001+ | 1834 | 3 |
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