Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme SME & Agri Finance

SBCI

Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme

A low-cost scheme designed to support eligible SMEs, including primary producers, investing in the energy efficiency of their enterprises.

The level of investment in energy efficiency by Irish SMEs is lower when compared to their European counterparts. The Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (EELS) is designed to help qualifying viable Irish businesses and primary producers (farmers/fishers) increase their investment in the energy efficiency of their enterprise.

The Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme is established and offered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and benefits from a guarantee provided by COSME and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) set up under the Investment Plan for Europe.

SBCI (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland) logo
European Investment Fund logo

Key Features Summary

How to apply.

First you will need to determine whether your business is eligible for finance under the Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme, you can check the eligibility criteria on the SBCI website. You’ll also need to check SEAI’s Triple E Register for eligible products.

You’ll need to return a completed Eligibility application form to the SBCI, you can find the application form and additional details on the application process on the SBCI website.

Eligible SMEs will receive a confirmation letter from the SBCI containing an eligibility reference number. Once you have the reference, you can start your application journey by requesting a call back below, or by clicking here to submit a full application.

Who can apply?

Qualifying micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those involved in primary agriculture and fishing, that meet the eligibility criteria.
SMEs are defined by the standard EU definition contained in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC as enterprises that:

  • have fewer than 250 employees
  • have an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million
  • are independent and autonomous, not part of a wider group of enterprises
  • have less than 25% of their capital held by public bodies

In addition, in order to be eligible for the scheme, SMEs must be both established and operating in the Republic of Ireland

For an extensive definition of qualifying enterprises, please check the SBCI website.

Who can not apply?

An SME that:

  • does not satisfy the eligibility criteria
  • is bankrupt or being wound up or having its affairs administered by courts
  • is subject to, or fulfil the criteria under domestic law for being placed in, collective insolvency proceedings
  • in the last five years has entered into an arrangement in the context of being bankrupt or wound up or having its affairs administered by courts
  • has a substantial focus in one or more of the excluded activities or restricted sectors
  • has been convicted of an offence or subject to a ruling concerning professional conduct, fraud, corruption, involvement in a criminal organisation, money laundering or any other illegal activity where such illegal activity is detrimental to the EU’s financial interest

For an expanded list, please check the SBCI website.

What happens after I apply?

If you have received an eligibility confirmation letter from the SBCI and submitted an application with us along with your eligibility reference number, you should receive a response on your application within 2-3 business days. You will receive an update from one of our dedicated sales directors to the phone number or email address you provided in your initial application. Our sales directors can then guide you through the next steps until your finance has been drawn down.

How much can I borrow?

Lending amounts range from €10,000 to a maximum of €150,000 per borrower and the lending amount will be dependent on aid intensity and State aid thresholds.

What types of investments are eligible?

The Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (EELS) is designed to help qualifying viable Irish businesses and primary producers (farmers/fishers) increase their investment in the energy efficiency of their enterprise.
Assets listed on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Triple E Register for Products are deemed eligible energy efficiency assets that may be financed under this scheme, except for electric vehicles (EVs).

Get In Touch

Give us a call

Speak to our specialist team on:

01 639 1370

Or request a callback?

Call me back
Warning: You may have to pay charges if you repay early, in full or in part, a fixed-rate credit facility.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your credit facility agreement, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

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