Intesa and Sace, with SMEs for clean energy

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Intesa Sanpaolo and Sace are putting out 10 billion euros to foster the energy independence of businesses, especially medium and small ones. The initiative comes at a time when it becomes increasingly urgent to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Intesa Sanpaolo and Sace envisage a series of intervention lines in favor of companies oriented towards the production of renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy. The goal is to support SMEs in a path of energy self-production, as well as seizing the opportunities provided by government interventions, with specific regard to photovoltaics, promoting the production of renewable energy and increasing the energy efficiency of the country. The joint commitment of Intesa Sanpaolo and Sace is part of the initiatives in support of the NRP and focuses on one of the pillars of the Engine Italy program, launched a year ago by the bank to support SMEs. The funds made available will allow to accelerate the energy transition and generate a direct economic impact on businesses. The complexity of the current scenario has “highlighted the risks of dependence on traditional energy sources and the need for diversification”, says Stefano Barrese, head of the Banca dei Territori of Intesa Sanpaolo. “We have developed – he adds – a further concrete action to accelerate the transition of our productive fabric”. Renewable energies, according to research by the Studies and Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo and Prometeia, are crucial for the diversification of energy sources, in the light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Investing in renewable energy would allow savings on the energy bill of small and medium-sized enterprises estimated between 30% and 50% based on the energy costs recorded in the first months of 2022.