The hydropower industry in DACH encompasses the generation of electricity through water flow, utilizing innovative technologies and sustainable practices. Countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are home to numerous firms that design, build, and operate hydroelectric plants, ranging from small installations to large-scale facilities. With the push for clean energy, hydropower plays a crucial role in achieving climate targets. Recent trends indicate an increasing focus on efficiency upgrades and environmental considerations, alongside a commitment to integrating more renewable sources into the grid, ultimately enhancing energy security and supporting sustainable development.


The group of top hydropower investors in DACH includes a mix of corporate and private equity firms, showcasing a spectrum of strategic investment approaches. Headquartered primarily in Germany and Switzerland, these organizations vary in size from over 10,000 employees to smaller firms with fewer than 50. Founded between the late 19th century and present day, they collectively pursued investment deals numbering 96 in 2024, marking a heightened interest in renewable energy projects and fiscal growth opportunities in the hydropower sector.


Top 9 Hydropower Investors in DACH


1. 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 notable 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 initiatives, including hydropower, making them a relevant player in this sector.


2. 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 acquisition reflects Siemens' strategy to strengthen its position in renewable energy, which is closely related to hydropower. Additionally, Siemens has been involved in financing activities, such as the debt financing for Statera Energy, which may include projects related to renewable energy, further emphasizing its engagement in the energy landscape.


3. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Notably, Partners Group has been active in the renewable energy sector, particularly through its involvement with EnfraGen, a Latin American power generation platform. In 2019, Partners Group acquired a 50% stake in EnfraGen, aiming to enhance grid stability and expand renewable energy assets in Colombia. In 2023, they further solidified their position in the renewable sector by acquiring six renewable operating assets in Panama and Costa Rica from Celsia S.A., showcasing their commitment to hydropower and other renewable energy sources. Additionally, their acquisition of VSB Group in 2022 further emphasizes their strategy to invest in sustainable energy solutions.


4. Siemens Financial Services


Siemens Financial Services, based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor that specializes in providing financial solutions to support technological advancements across various sectors, including industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. Founded in 1997, Siemens combines its technological expertise with financial services to foster growth and efficiency for its clients. In 2024, Siemens Financial Services was involved in several significant transactions, including a $550 million debt financing for Clearway Energy Group and a $100 million debt financing for Onyx Renewable Partners, both of which are engaged in renewable energy. These transactions indicate Siemens' active role in supporting the energy transition, which may encompass hydropower investments as part of their broader commitment to sustainability.


5. Rwe

  • Website: rwe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1898
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: rwe-

RWE is an energy company based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in both renewable and conventional energy solutions. Founded in 1898, RWE has evolved to offer a diverse range of services, including energy generation from wind, solar, and hydropower, alongside project management and engineering services. In 2023, RWE enhanced its renewables portfolio in the U.S. through the acquisition of Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, which, while primarily focused on wind and solar, reflects RWE's broader strategy to expand its renewable energy capabilities. Additionally, RWE's investment vehicle, RWE Energy Transition Investments, has been active in funding growth opportunities in the energy sector, indicating a proactive approach to diversifying their energy investments. Although the recent transactions do not explicitly mention hydropower, RWE's established presence in this sector and their commitment to sustainable energy solutions underscore their relevance as a hydropower investor.


6. eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS


eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, software, and cybersecurity. eCAPITAL provides early to growth stage funding and strategic support to startups, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Notably, they have invested in Smart Hydro Power GmbH, which focuses on hydropower technology, raising €2.7M in a Series A funding round in 2012. This investment highlights their commitment to the cleantech sector, particularly in renewable energy solutions. Additionally, eCAPITAL has been involved in various other transactions, but their direct investment in a hydropower company underscores their relevance in this field.


7. SUSI Partners

  • Website: susi-partners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: susi-partners-ag

SUSI Partners is an investment management firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2009. They specialize in energy transition infrastructure, providing institutional investors with access to mid-market private infrastructure opportunities. Their focus areas include renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage solutions, catering to clients such as pension funds and insurance companies seeking responsible investment options that contribute to climate neutrality. Recent transactions include acquiring a majority stake in APAL MW, a French renewable energy developer, which enhances their capabilities in clean energy development. Additionally, they have invested in various renewable energy projects, such as Starling Energy Group, a solar-storage provider, and have engaged in funding rounds for companies like Asia Clean Capital Vietnam. While these transactions do not explicitly mention hydropower, their overarching commitment to renewable energy suggests potential interest in hydropower investments.


8. UVC Partners


UVC Partners is a venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin, specializing in investing in B2B startups across Europe. Founded in 2011, the firm provides financial support and strategic guidance to early-stage companies, helping them grow in competitive markets. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative startups in various sectors, including renewable energy. Notably, UVC Partners participated in funding rounds for Reel Energy, a renewable electricity supplier, which raised €5M in January 2024, and €2.41M in June 2022. Additionally, they led a funding round for Reverion, a climate tech startup focused on biogas power plants, which raised €8.5 million in April 2023 and €62.1 million in September 2024. These transactions highlight UVC Partners' engagement in the renewable energy sector, aligning with the interests of hydropower investments.


9. Verbund

  • Website: verbund.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  • Founded year: 1947
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: verbundag

VERBUND is an energy company based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1947. It specializes in electricity generation and services, offering a range of products including renewable energy solutions, power trading, and energy management services. The company is committed to sustainable energy sources, prominently featuring hydropower, alongside wind and solar power. In recent transactions, Verbund has expanded its renewable energy portfolio through acquisitions, such as the wind farm in Burgenland and operative wind power plants in Spain, indicating a strategic focus on renewable energy. However, their core operations still include significant hydropower generation, which aligns with their overall mission of promoting sustainable energy solutions.



Hydropower Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Siemens Financial ServicesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1001-5000199715
RweEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18983
eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany11-5019992
SUSI PartnersZurich, Zurich, Switzerland51-20020094
UVC PartnersGarching, Bavaria, Germany11-50201115
VerbundVienna, Vienna, Austria1001-500019472


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