Oikocredit is a worldwide cooperative with over 40 years in social impact investing. Its mission is to enable low-income people to sustainably improve their living standards. Since Oikocredit was founded in 1975, it has supported over 1,800 partner organizations with € 3.3 billion.
Oikocredit established a dedicated renewable energy unit in 2014. Renewable energy is one of Oikocredit’s three focus sectors, alongside financial inclusion and agriculture. Oikocredit applies its expertise gained in promoting positive social impact with its partner organizations to its renewable energy investments.
Investments in renewable energy have many tangible benefits, such as job creation, reduction in the use of imported fossil fuels and slowing the pace of climate change. By investing in renewable energy, Oikocredit aims to meet the growing demand for electricity in underserved regions in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
Shine Campaign Commitment
Oikocredit is committed to substantially growing its renewable energy portfolio by 2020, from € 49.1 million in 2017. It currently has capital outstanding of almost € 1 billion and provides financing to nearly 750 organizations across the world.
Oikocredit is committed to concentrating its investments in renewable energy toward high levels of social impact, like off-grid solar and clean cooking. It will target areas where people have limited access to energy. Projects will emphasize shared energy access between small and medium business enterprises and households.
Oikocredit aims to lead in targeting ‘the missing middle’ of the capital spectrum by blending investments with concessionary capital. Through loans, equity, project finance and securitization, Oikocredit aims to be a catalyst for social impact investing in renewable energy, making investments that are beneficial for end clients and attractive for investors and energy providers. Oikocredit strives to maximise social impact while safeguarding the environment and generating fair financial returns for its investors.