Helping Irish SMEs become more sustainable

Cathal Lydon, Business Banking Manager at PTSB, outlines how SMEs in Ireland increasingly see sustainability not just as a responsibility, but as a commercial opportunity.

According to PTSB’s Reflecting Business 2026 research, over seven-in-10 Irish businesses are targeting sustainability opportunities for commercial growth, a significant increase on 2025 (72 per cent v 28 per cent).

The research shows a parallel surge in businesses planning energy efficiency upgrades and other sustainability initiatives as SMEs respond to recent global energy price shocks (62 per cent v 33 per cent in 2025).

PTSB has responded to these market changes and increased SME demand for sustainability-related finance by launching a €250 million Impact Lending Fund in July 2026. The fund provides finance for business customers investing in projects that deliver positive environmental or social benefits to society.

The Impact Lending Fund is available to support businesses across a range of environmental and social sectors including:

• sustainable energy;
• sustainable agriculture;
• healthcare; and
• female entrepreneurship.

SMEs which meet the criteria for the fund can make an application, subject to normal credit terms and conditions.

The fund will lend to a wide range of environmental or social projects including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable transport.

Renewable energy financing

PTSB is committed to playing an active role in Ireland’s transition to a lower-carbon economy. This transition will require continued investment in renewable generation and the infrastructure supporting it. The bank is providing tailored project finance solutions to developers and investors across Ireland’s renewable energy sector.

Recent projects supported by PTSB include:

• Voltclub: A 12MW solar farm development in County Cork.
• Killaskillen Solar Farm (Grange Solar): A 15MW solar farm in County Meath under a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement with Breedon Cement.
• Doro Renewables: Acquisition of a 15MW six-turbine wind farm in County Wexford.

PTSB NovaUCD new partnership

To support the next wave of Irish start-ups as they maximise sustainability growth opportunities, PTSB has partnered with NovaUCD to deliver a new Energy Futures Accelerator Programme. The programme will open for applications in Q4 2026 and will provide financial advisory and mentoring support to early-stage Irish companies operating in climate technology and renewable energy, helping them to grow and scale.

For further information, contact:
E: cathal.lydon@ptsb.ie