The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, which includes the EIB and European Investment Fund (EIF), has partnered with Santander Bank to support €183 million in new investments to enhance energy efficiency in Portugal. The funds will enable the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of new ones that meet high energy efficiency standards. This initiative builds on the success of a comparable agreement signed by the two organizations in 2023.
Innovative Securitisation Model for Financing
Under this agreement, the EIB Group will offer Santander €91.6 million in unfunded protection for an upper-mezzanine tranche. This will allow Santander to provide €183 million in green mortgage financing. Additionally, private investors will secure a lower-mezzanine tranche, strengthening the securitisation framework.
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Diverse Beneficiaries and Advisory Support
The financing will cater to individuals, homeowner associations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. Santander gains from the EIB’s Green Gateway facility, which provides advisory support for sourcing, evaluating, and reporting on green projects. Eligible investments may total €25 million, with financing of up to €12.5 million and a minimum duration of two years.
Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director-General and Head of EU Lending and Advisory at the EIB, said, “This partnership will help scale up financing for energy-efficient housing in Portugal, in line with our commitment as Europe’s climate bank to do more in this area.”
Alessandro Tappi, Chief Investment Officer at EIF added, “This operation contributes to Portugal’s energy transition through a commitment by Santander to finance new energy-efficiency investments in Portugal. It also contributes to a stronger securitisation market, in line with the objectives of the savings and investments union.”
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This partnership offers favorable financing to reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen project climate resilience. The initiative aligns with broader European objectives for sustainability and energy transition.