Energy Efficiency Loans for Entrepreneurs

Apply for an energy efficiency loan for businesses to secure affordable funding for energy-efficient projects and renewable energy sources through the RBA program in collaboration with the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR).

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Special Financing Benefits

On the 50% portion of the loan no interest and no fees are charged provided by HBOR through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Favorable Terms

RBA finances the remaining 50% of the loan at exceptionally competitive interest rates and with reduced fees compared to standard terms

Principal Write-Off

Depending on the level of energy savings achieved, you may qualify for a write-off of up to 50% of the loan principal

Why Choose This Program?

This financing model, offering loans up to EUR 3 million, delivers a distinct advantage: HBOR provides half of the funding from the European Regional Development Fund at zero interest rate, and RBA finances the remaining half at highly competitive market rates. This risk-sharing model provides businesses with the most favorable terms for energy efficiency investments, accelerating your return on investment while strengthening market resilience.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to micro, small, medium and large enterprises operating within the manufacturing industry, commercial and service sector, including tourism, hospitality and retail. Applicants must be officially registered for at least one year in the specific industry or business activity for which the investmentis being made, provided that it meets program requirements.

Investments must be initiated after the loan application is submitted to RBA.

Loan Purpose

These loans are designed to finance investments in energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources in the manufacturing industries, commercial and service sectors.

The primary objective is to achieve a significant reduction in supplied energy consumption (by at least 20% in manufacturing industries and 30% in the commercial and service sectors) and increase the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption.

Eligible investments include:

Installing high-efficiency electromotor drives and manufacturing machinery
modernizing and streamlining production processes to minimize heat and electricity consumption
improving the energy efficiency of production plants and supporting facilities (subject to meeting minimum energy-saving targets)
installing on-site renewable energy generation technology (solar power systems, wind power, biofuels, geothermal energy, etc.)
implementing highly efficient heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems
integrating automated control and management tools and energy consumption metering systems

Excluded from financing: costs of routine maintenance and construction of new buildings, with the exception of activities related to the installation of renewable energy sources. Additionally, grid connection fees for the electrical power network and any expenses that do not comply with technical specifications and professionally industry standards arealso ineligible for financing.

Detailed information on eligible investments, types of funding, and specific limitations are provided in Appendix 2 -Methodology for Calculating and Reporting Savings and Other Project Components. For full details on the program requirements, please visit the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) website.

Financial Instrument Objective

The core objective of this financial instrument is to fund business investments in energy efficiency, driving measurable energy savings, reduced consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Expected outcomes include enhanced energy efficiency in funded projects, verified energy savings, and proven reduction in CO₂ emissions.

This document was produced with the financial support of the Europena Union. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union.