impact investing in energy transition
For many decades, fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas have been major sources of electricity production, but burning carbon fuels produces large amounts of greenhouse gases which cause climate change and have harmful impacts on people’s well-being and the environment. Moreover, as global electricity use is rising rapidly. and without a stable electricity supply, countries will not be able to power their economies. We need more cleaner, greener and fossil-free sources of energy to power our economies and progress.
Read how impact investing is ensuring that the Netherlands remains ahead of the curve as we move towards a cleaner, greener and sustainable planet.
The following examples have been made by the investors via the medium of private equity.
Private Equity is an asset class where investing focuses on acquiring private ownership (stake/equity) in private companies. When impact investing via private equity, investors identify companies or projects that can create a positive impact on people and planet and are also scalable. Investments such as these ensure that the Netherlands becomes more independent and competitive on the global markets.
To learn more about private equity as an asset class, read our blog here.
Sustainable energy creation
Across the world, regions are striving to meet climate goals while transitioning to a circular economy. However, many face a significant funding gap when it comes to financing impactful and sustainable projects. The Dutch province of Limburg is no exception.
Polestar Capital, an asset and fund manager, is working to bridge this gap. With a mission to enable positive environmental and social impact, Polestar manages Limburg Energie fonds on behalf of the Province of Limburg (a province in the Netherlands) - a fund that is growing towards €235 million in committed capital. This fund finances projects across Limburg that reduce CO₂ emissions all in a cost-effective and measurable way.
Whether through equity investments or (subordinated) loans, Polestar ensures that Limburg receives the capital needed to build a greener future. Projects funded include renewable energy generation, energy infrastructure, and energy efficiency upgrades—all essential to the region’s circular economy strategy.
One of the key investments is Solarge, a company founded in 2018 and based in Weert (a town in the province of Limburg, Netherlands). Since 2023, Solarge has been producing lightweight solar panels ideal for rooftops and buildings where traditional panels are too heavy. These innovative panels expand the potential for solar energy in the built environment and support the broader energy transition.
Impact investing (competitiveness/ soverien/independent)
Learn more about Polestar Capital and Limburg Energie fonds.
To know about impact investing in from our workshops where sector experts showcase their strategies and provide real life examples, head to our learning hub.
Optimising energy usage
The shift to a cleaner, greener economy demands smarter energy solutions—especially in mobility. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream, the need for high-performance, affordable batteries is critical to achieving a just and sustainable energy transition.
Invest-NL, the Dutch national investment organization, is supporting this shift through a €5 million equity investment in E-magy, a Dutch company pioneering advanced battery materials. The investment is part of E-magy’s €15 million Series A funding round in 2023, which also included Norsk Hydro, Rubio, and existing investors SHIFT and PDENH.
E-magy is developing a next-generation silicon material for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional graphite batteries, these silicon anodes deliver 40% higher energy density and allow for faster charging—a game-changer for electric mobility and energy storage. The technology is easily scalable, using metallurgical silicon—a low-cost, abundant, and environmentally friendly material widely available in Europe. This makes industrial-scale production both practical and sustainable.
By making EV batteries more compact, efficient, and affordable, E-magy is helping to make electric driving accessible to a broader population. The company plays a key role in accelerating the transition to clean energy while supporting Europe’s climate and mobility goals.
Learn more about Invest-NL’s role in powering the energy transition here.
