Solas Capital Champions Energy Efficiency as EU Mobilises €17.5 Billion Initiative
Zurich, 16 September 2025
Buildings consume 40% of Europe’s energy, making efficiency a crucial tool to cut CO2 emissions while reducing costs. At Energy Efficiency for SMEs Day in Brussels, the European Investment Bank and European Commission announced a landmark €17.5 billion initiative to support over 350,000 companies, aiming to mobilise €65 billion in total investments by 2027.
Solas Capital, represented by CEO and Co-founder Sebastian Carneiro, contributed as an expert panellist, highlighting the firm’s role in bridging the energy efficiency funding gap. Through its Energy-as-a-Service financing model, Solas enables businesses to implement upgrades without major capital outlays, making efficiency accessible and profitable for SMEs.
With its €220 million Solas Sustainable Energy Fund already financing 3,700 projects across 8 EU countries, delivering €395 million in cost savings and avoiding over 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, Solas Capital has proven that efficiency investments provide both measurable climate impact and strong financial returns.
Looking ahead, Solas Capital plans to launch a successor fund in 2026, building on rising demand and EU policy momentum to further accelerate Europe’s transition to climate neutrality while offering institutional investors stable, long-term opportunities.