The hydropower industry in Europe is an integral part of the continent's energy framework, harnessing water resources to generate clean electricity. This industry involves various players, including large utility companies, niche startups, and financial institutions focusing on sustainable investments. It heavily emphasizes projects geared toward reducing carbon emissions and supporting climate goals. With advancements in technology and increasing environmental concerns, the sector is shifting towards innovative solutions like small-scale hydropower and green financing. Interestingly, Europe boasts some of the world's most significant and oldest hydropower stations, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to renewable energy.


This list features 14 notable investors in the hydropower sector across Europe, spanning corporate entities, venture capital firms, and development institutions. Based in countries including France, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, these investors vary greatly in size, from small firms to large corporations with over 10,000 employees. Founded as early as the 1800s and as recently as 2015, these institutions collectively engaged in 198 investments during 2024, illustrating a robust commitment to driving renewable energy forward in the region.


Top 14 Hydropower Investors in Europe


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, 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 been involved in significant financing activities, such as providing a €150 million loan to Iberdrola for the development of renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. While the current transactions do not explicitly mention hydropower, the EIB's commitment to sustainable energy projects suggests that it may also invest in hydropower initiatives in the future, aligning with its broader mission of supporting renewable energy development.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


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 through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the context of hydropower, Bpifrance has been involved in several relevant transactions, such as its investment in Qair, a company focused on renewable energy, and Boralex, which raised significant funds for its operations in the renewable energy sector. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to sustainable energy solutions, including hydropower.


3. 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 serves both businesses and consumers with sustainable energy solutions. Recently, TotalEnergies announced its acquisition of SN Power AS, which includes a 100% stake in the company and a 28.3% stake in the 250 MW Bujagali hydropower plant in Uganda, along with minority stakes in two other hydropower projects in Africa. This strategic move highlights TotalEnergies' active role in the hydropower sector, complementing its broader renewable energy initiatives.


4. EEP Africa

  • Website: eepafrica.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: eepafrica

EEP Africa is a not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 2010. It is dedicated to enhancing energy access and investment in Southern and Eastern Africa through early-stage grants and support for innovative clean energy projects. EEP Africa collaborates with various funding partners to facilitate sustainable development in the region. Among its notable transactions, EEP Africa has been involved with companies such as Songa Energy, East African Power, and Mphepo Power, all of which are engaged in the energy sector. These transactions indicate EEP Africa's commitment to supporting clean energy initiatives, which may include hydropower projects, thereby contributing to the overall energy landscape in the regions it serves.


5. 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 recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the renewable energy sector. For instance, they facilitated Thrive Renewables' equity crowdfunding campaign, which raised approximately $6.8 million to support renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, Crowdcube has supported Gravitricity, a company focused on energy storage solutions, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like hydropower into the energy grid. Furthermore, they have backed RheEnergise, which raised funds for innovative energy storage technologies. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's role in promoting investments in the renewable energy sector, including hydropower-related projects.


6. 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 prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT Infrastructure has made significant strides in the energy sector, including the acquisition of Midland Cogeneration Venture, marking its first direct investment in the United States. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Statera Energy highlights its commitment to the energy market, focusing on battery storage and flexible generation, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources. The firm has also engaged in transactions like the acquisition of Clearvise AG, further indicating its interest in energy-related investments. While not exclusively focused on hydropower, EQT's activities in the energy sector suggest a potential alignment with renewable energy initiatives, including hydropower.


7. 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, France, specializing in renewable energy and energy solutions. Founded in 1834, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates globally, focusing on reducing energy costs and emissions through innovative solutions. Engie's recent transactions include the acquisition of BTE Renewables, which adds 340 MW of renewable assets in South Africa, and a significant investment in Husk Power Systems to scale their renewable mini-grid business in Africa and Asia. These activities demonstrate Engie's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio, which may include hydropower projects as part of their strategy for sustainability and decarbonization.


8. 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, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight its interest in renewable energy technologies. Notably, it participated in the funding of CorPower Ocean, which is focused on developing wave energy converters, a technology that complements hydropower. Additionally, Almi has invested in other innovative energy companies such as Waves4Power and SeaTwirl, indicating a broader commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives. These investments reflect Almi's strategic interest in the renewable energy sector, making it a relevant player in the hydropower investment landscape.


9. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. The bank offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several significant transactions in the renewable energy sector, particularly in debt financing. For instance, they facilitated a $940 million debt financing for Greenko Group in March 2021, a company that is heavily invested in renewable energy, including hydropower projects. Additionally, they participated in debt financing for Origis Energy, which, while primarily focused on solar energy, is part of the broader renewable energy landscape. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's role in supporting the financing of renewable energy projects, including those in the hydropower sector.


10. EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative


EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing Initiative is a not-for-profit impact investment facility based in Belgium, established in 2016. It is dedicated to financing renewable energy projects in developing countries, providing both equity and debt financing along with technical assistance to enhance access to clean energy. The organization targets renewable energy companies and projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to help them achieve sustainable energy solutions. Notably, while their recent transactions include significant investments in solar hybrid microgrids, such as a $6 million debt financing for Husk Power Systems to build solar hybrid microgrids in India, they have also engaged with companies like Powergen Renewable Energy, which may have hydropower components in their operations. This indicates a broader interest in renewable energy solutions, potentially including hydropower in the future.


11. Proparco

  • Website: proparco.fr
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: proparco

Proparco is a not-for-profit development finance institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1977. It supports economic growth in developing countries by providing financial tools, investment funds, and technical assistance to businesses and financial institutions. Proparco focuses on sectors such as agriculture, health, and infrastructure, aiming to enhance private sector contributions to sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, Proparco acquired a stake in Voltalia, a French renewable energy company, as part of a €170 million financing initiative aimed at supporting Voltalia's international development strategy, particularly in developing and emerging economies. This investment is expected to enhance Voltalia's installed capacity to 1 GW by 2019, which may include hydropower projects. Additionally, Proparco has been involved in financing initiatives with other energy companies, indicating its active role in the renewable energy sector.


12. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company is committed to providing innovative products and services that enhance efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, Siemens has made strategic acquisitions and investments in the energy sector, including the acquisition of Marine Current Turbines in 2012, which focuses on tidal power technology. This move reflects Siemens' strategy to strengthen its position in renewable energy markets. Additionally, Siemens has been involved in financing activities, such as the debt financing raised by Statera Energy, which indicates its ongoing engagement in energy-related projects. These activities underscore Siemens' relevance as an investor in the hydropower and broader renewable energy landscape.


13. Groupe Crédit Agricole

  • Website: credit-agricole.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a wide range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a focus on mutuality and social responsibility. In 2024, Crédit Agricole was involved in several significant transactions, including a $935 million debt raise for Iberdrola, a major player in the renewable energy sector, and a $1.3 billion debt financing for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, which specializes in wind energy but is part of the broader renewable energy landscape. Additionally, their involvement with Q ENERGY France and Geysers Power Company indicates a commitment to financing energy projects that may include hydropower. These transactions reflect Crédit Agricole's active role in supporting the transition to renewable energy, aligning with the interests of hydropower investment.


14. L'Union Européenne (UE)

  • Website: europa.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: union-europ%c3%a9enne

L'Union Européenne (UE) is a public entity that serves as a political and economic union of member states, founded in 1993 and based in London, England. With over 10,000 employees, the EU focuses on governance, legislation, and support for regional development, education, and research initiatives. In recent years, the EU has been involved in several transactions that support renewable energy projects, including hydropower-related initiatives. Notably, the EU co-funded a grant for Eco Wave Power to build a 5MW wave energy power plant in Gibraltar, which highlights its commitment to renewable energy. Additionally, the EU has provided funding to AW-Energy for the commercialization of wave energy technology, which is relevant to the broader context of renewable energy development. Other transactions include grants to Mine Storage, Orka natturunnar, and Mocean Energy, further showcasing the EU's active role in supporting innovative energy solutions across Europe.



Hydropower Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
TotalEnergiesFrance10001+192411
EEP AfricaHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland11-5020100
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
EngieParis, Île-De-France, France10001+18343
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
EDFI ElectriFI - The Electrification Financing InitiativeBelgium11-5020162
ProparcoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500197719
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Groupe Crédit AgricoleMontrouge, Île-De-France, France10001+189418
L'Union Européenne (UE)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+199334


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