In 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) allocated over €21.3 billion to energy-related projects, with €8.3 billion specifically for energy efficiency—a significant increase from €2.1 billion in 2014. Despite this growth, the energy efficiency sector faces persistent challenges. The EIB, alongside asset managers like Aquila Capital, advocates for the “energy efficiency first” principle, which aims to minimize unnecessary energy production and manage energy demand effectively.