Home » France: EIB Group and BNP Paribas increase their existing guaranteed portfolio under InvestEU to €325 million to continue financing innovation and sustainability in Europe

France: EIB Group and BNP Paribas increase their existing guaranteed portfolio under InvestEU to €325 million to continue financing innovation and sustainability in Europe

March 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment
The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion French scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025. This is the eighth cleantech manufacturing capacity scheme approved since the CISAF was adopted, unlocking over €10 billion in support for investments in such capacity. The French measure France notified to the Commission, under the CISAF, a €1.1 billion scheme to support strategic investments that add manufacturing capacity of cleantech, contributing to the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. The scheme incentivises investments in additional capacity production of net-zero technologies listed in Annex II of CISAF, like solar, offshore or onshore wind technologies, heat pumps or battery technologies. The scheme also covers costs related to the main specific components of these technologies and the related critical raw materials. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of a tax credit. The measure will be open to the whole territory of France and aid may be granted until 31 December 2028. The Commission found that the French scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the CISAF. The Commission concluded that the French scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. This is in line with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the conditions set out in the CISAF. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules. Background On 25 June 2025, the Commission adopted the CISAF to foster support measures in sectors which are key for the transition to a net-zero economy, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal. The CISAF allows the following types of aid, which can be granted by Member States until 31 December 2030 in order to accelerate the green transition: Measures accelerating the rollout of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels (sections 4.1 and 4.2). Member States can set up schemes for investments in all renewable energy sources as well as energy storage, with simplified tender procedures. Specific rules are also provided to accelerate the roll-out of low-carbon fuels. Measures allowing temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive users to ensure the transition to low-cost clean electricity (section 4.5). Such measures will help to avoid industrial activities relocating to locations where environmental regulations are absent or less ambitious, before the decarbonisation of the EU's electricity system fully translates into lower electricity prices. Measures facilitating the decarbonisation of industrial processes (section 5). Member States can support investments in the decarbonisation of industrial activities to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels. This can happen through electrification, energy efficiency and the switch to the use of renewable and electricity-based hydrogen which complies with certain conditions, with expanded possibilities to support the decarbonisation of industrial processes switching to hydrogen-derived fuels. Measures to ensure sufficient clean technology manufacturing capacity (section 6). Member States can grant investment support for investment projects concerning technologies covered by the Net Zero Industry Act (final products such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat-pumps, electrolysers, and carbon capture usage and storage, including main specific components). This also includes the production and recycling of related critical raw materials. Measures to de-risk private investments required for the roll-out of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, clean tech manufacturing, certain energy infrastructure projects, and projects supporting the circular economy (section 8). More information on the CISAF can be found online. For more information The non-confidential version of today's decision will be made available under the case number SA.120765 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of State aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the Competition Weekly e-News. Quote(s) Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition This scheme of over €1 billion will ensure additional clean technology manufacturing capacity in France. The tax credits granted under this scheme will help companies making key investments in the coming years. At the same time, any potential competition distortions are kept to the minimum. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive TransitionThis article is published in association with European Investment Bank. BNP Paribas has secured an additional €250 million guarantee from the European Investment Bank Group via the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the InvestEU Programme. This significant envelope enables BNP Paribas to advance its goal in supporting innovative and sustainable businesses across the EU, reinforcing its […]
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