It is well known that besides technological challenges suitable financing instruments are crucial for financing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies in the industrial sector. Along with subsidies provided by governmental institutions the interest of the private finance sector should be attracted more and more by structuring the market and taking measures for minimizing risks. Investors are increasingly willing to invest their money in sustainable energy projects but the projects have to be processed in an interesting way to attract attention compared to other possible investments. In this connection the risk has to be minimized for investors and an adequate return rate is expected.

Various international studies address the grand need of financing of projects in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. In the light of existing financial boundary conditions of the industry sector like long payback periods, illiquid assets and regulatory dependencies, organizing the relationship between governmental bodies and private investors will be crucial for bringing appropriate financing models to the market.

The current issue of “nachhaltige technologien” highlights different examples of possible financing models for buildings as well as for the industrial sector, shows advantages, disadvantages and challenges in establishing the models in the finance sector and describes “best practice examples” of successfully financed projects.