The hydropower industry in the Benelux region is characterized by its commitment to sustainable energy generation, utilizing natural water flows to produce electricity. Companies involved range from large energy corporations to innovative startups, focusing on hydroelectric dams, micro-hydropower systems, and related technologies. The industry is evolving towards more eco-friendly solutions, including low-impact river turbines and hybrid systems that combine hydro with solar and wind. With increasing support from governments and growing investment interest, hydropower is poised to play a vital role in achieving the region's renewable energy goals while addressing climate change.


This article highlights 14 notable hydropower investors in the Benelux region, showcasing a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms. Operating from diverse locales, the investors range from larger institutions like the European Investment Bank to dynamic venture capital firms such as Invest-NL and SET Ventures. Founded over various years, these firms have been active in 2024, with investments varying in size and impact, reflecting a commitment to renewable energy development in hydropower projects.


Top 14 Hydropower Investors in Benelux


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides financial services such as loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB focuses on initiatives that promote growth and job creation, catering to both public and private organizations. In recent transactions, the EIB has provided significant loans to major energy companies like Iberdrola and Enel Green Power, primarily for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. Although the transactions listed do not explicitly mention hydropower, the EIB's commitment to financing sustainable energy projects suggests that it may also invest in hydropower projects as part of its broader strategy to support renewable energy development.


2. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders in sectors such as AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. In 2022, Rockstart made a notable investment in Hydrologiq, which raised $890,926 in a Pre-Seed round, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the energy sector, including hydropower. Additionally, they have been involved in other transactions like GEHECO, which raised funds in 2024, further showcasing their active role in the energy landscape.


3. SET Ventures

  • Website: setventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: setventures

SET Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2007. The firm focuses on advancing a carbon-free energy system by investing in innovative energy technologies and supporting energy entrepreneurs with capital and insights. Their portfolio includes notable investments in the energy sector, such as Hydrogrid, an Austrian startup that specializes in hydropower solutions. SET Ventures participated in Hydrogrid's funding rounds, contributing to a Series A round in December 2023 and a Seed round in February 2022. These investments highlight their commitment to promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, particularly in the hydropower domain.


4. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, founded in 2020. They focus on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands, supporting entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions, particularly in energy and technology sectors. Invest-NL mobilizes capital from various sources to make impactful investments that contribute to a more sustainable economy. Notable transactions include investments in SeaQurrent, which is developing a sustainable tidal energy converter, and AquaBattery, which is working on a low-cost, sustainable energy storage solution. These projects reflect Invest-NL's commitment to innovative energy solutions, which may extend to hydropower in the future.


5. BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries


BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries is a not-for-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2001. It focuses on providing investment support and development financing to private sector companies in developing countries, aiming to empower these businesses to thrive and contribute to their local economies. Among its notable transactions, BIO has engaged in debt financing for Polaris Renewable Energy, which raised over $11 million for renewable energy projects, and Summit Power International Ltd., which secured approximately $17.5 million for similar initiatives. These transactions highlight BIO's commitment to supporting the renewable energy sector, including hydropower, in developing regions.


6. Triodos Bank

  • Website: triodos.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Driebergen-Rijsenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: triodos-bank

Triodos Bank N.V. is a public entity operating as an ethical bank focused on sustainable finance. Founded in 1980 and based in Driebergen-Rijsenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands, Triodos Bank offers services such as depository receipts, green bonds, and investment management, catering to individuals and businesses seeking to align their financial activities with ethical and sustainable practices. The bank operates in multiple European countries, promoting transparency and positive impact in the banking sector. In recent years, Triodos Bank has been involved in various transactions that support renewable energy initiatives, including a debt financing deal with Powergen Renewable Energy and a credit facility for Harmony Energy, which focuses on energy storage. Additionally, Triodos Investment Management participated in a funding round for WeLight, an electricity access provider in Madagascar, which is part of a broader electrification project. These transactions highlight Triodos Bank's commitment to investing in sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the principles of hydropower investment.


7. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, founded in 1982 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a banking institution that provides a range of financial services including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. The bank has been active in the renewable energy sector, evidenced by its involvement in several significant transactions. For instance, it participated in the debt financing of Mainstream Renewable Power, which raised over $122 million, and Low Carbon, which secured nearly $387 million. Additionally, ABN AMRO was involved in financing BNZ Energy, which raised over $740 million, and North Star, which raised approximately $288 million. These transactions highlight ABN AMRO's engagement in the renewable energy market, indicating a potential interest in hydropower investments as part of their broader investment strategy.


8. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among its notable transactions, CVC acquired Naturgy in 2016, a company that operates in the energy sector, and PKP Energetyka in 2015, which is involved in energy distribution. Additionally, CVC's recent acquisition of a majority stake in DIF Capital Partners for €1 billion in 2023 further enhances its infrastructure portfolio, potentially including energy projects. These transactions highlight CVC's commitment to the energy infrastructure space, which may encompass hydropower investments.


9. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, part of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made strategic acquisitions in the energy sector, such as the acquisition of Efacec, a company involved in energy solutions, including hydropower. This acquisition, finalized on June 7, 2023, highlights Mutares' interest in the energy market. Additionally, their acquisition of Guascor Energy and NEM Energy further demonstrates their engagement in the energy sector, which may encompass hydropower technologies. Overall, Mutares Benelux is positioned as a versatile investor with a growing footprint in the energy industry, including potential hydropower investments.


10. EDFI Management Company

  • Website: edfimc.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: edfi-management-company

EDFI Management Company is a not-for-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2016. It provides financial services aimed at empowering entrepreneurship in developing countries, with a strong focus on investments in renewable energy and agriculture. EDFI Management Company offers tailored financial solutions to European Development Financial Institutions and private sector companies, facilitating sustainable development through impactful investments. Notably, in November 2024, they participated in a debt financing round for Hydrobox, raising $9 million, which is directly related to the hydropower sector. This investment highlights their engagement in renewable energy projects, including hydropower, alongside other ventures in solar energy and electrification initiatives.


11. Koolen Industries


Koolen Industries is a clean energy solutions provider based in Hengelo, Overijssel, Netherlands, founded in 2019. The company focuses on facilitating the transition to renewable energy through a variety of services, including clean energy generation, storage, and mobility solutions. Koolen Industries has been involved in several transactions aimed at enhancing their portfolio in the clean energy sector. Notably, they acquired a majority stake in GreenBattery, a mobile energy storage company, to provide alternatives to diesel generators. They also acquired NovaVolt Solar Energy to expand their offerings in the solar market. Additionally, Koolen Industries participated in a significant funding round for EIT InnoEnergy, a sustainable energy investor, indicating their active role in the clean energy investment landscape. While their current investments do not include hydropower, their overarching focus on renewable energy solutions positions them as a potential player in the hydropower sector in the future.


12. Bamboo Capital Partners

  • Website: bamboocp.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bamboo-finance

Bamboo Capital Partners is an impact investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing innovative financing solutions to businesses in emerging markets, with a focus on sectors such as financial inclusion, clean energy, healthcare, and agribusiness. Their mission is to enhance the lives of marginalized communities while delivering financial returns. Notable transactions include investments in Husk Power Systems, which focuses on renewable energy solutions, and Bboxx, an off-grid solar firm that has raised significant funding to expand its operations in Africa. Although their recent transactions have primarily centered around solar energy, their commitment to clean energy aligns with the principles of hydropower investment, suggesting a potential interest in this sector.


13. Noshaq

  • Website: noshaq.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: noshaq-be

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985, that provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege. The firm focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotech and sustainable development. In recent years, Noshaq has participated in several transactions that highlight its interest in innovative energy solutions. Notably, it was involved in funding rounds for Ampacimon, a company that develops technologies for grid modernization, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, including hydropower. Noshaq's investment in Ampacimon, both in a €4 million round in 2020 and a $10.6 million Series C round in 2023, underscores its engagement in the energy sector and its potential relevance to hydropower initiatives. Additionally, Noshaq's participation in the funding of Maana Electric, which focuses on energy solutions, further illustrates its commitment to supporting sustainable energy projects.


14. DOB Equity

  • Website: dobequity.nl
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dob-foundation

DOB Equity is an impact investment fund based in Veessen, Gelderland, Netherlands, founded in 1997. The fund focuses on supporting innovative and scalable companies in Eastern Africa, aiming to create social impact while ensuring long-term profitability for its portfolio companies. Notably, DOB Equity has invested in Powergen Renewable Energy, contributing $4.5 million in a Series A round in 2016 and $15 million in a Series B round in 2019. Powergen is dedicated to expanding its micro-grid portfolio, which connects customers to renewable energy sources, including hydropower. This involvement highlights DOB Equity's commitment to the renewable energy sector, particularly in regions where hydropower can play a significant role in energy access and sustainability.



Hydropower Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
SET VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020075
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
BIO - the Belgian Investment Company for Developing CountriesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-20020014
Triodos BankDriebergen-Rijsenburg, Utrecht, Netherlands1001-500019802
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
EDFI Management CompanyBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5020161
Koolen IndustriesHengelo, Overijssel, Netherlands501-100020191
Bamboo Capital PartnersLuxembourg11-5020071
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
DOB EquityVeessen, Gelderland, Netherlands1-1019971


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