# Santander Bank: Leader in Renewable Energy Financing

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/santander-bank-leader-in-renewable-energy-financing/
- Published: 2011-04-06T18:47:57-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Santander Overtakes Goldman Sachs as Top Green Bank

In a surprising shift, Spain’s Banco Santander surpassed Goldman Sachs in 2010 to
become the world’s leading “green bank” by deal volume. According to Bloomberg New
Energy Finance, Santander financed more renewable energy projects than any other
bank that year—securing its place at the top of the clean energy investment space.

![Bar chart ranking santander goldman sachs credit agricole bnp paribas and barclays
by renewable energy deal volume in 2010](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/04/EC8C4CAF-07F6-4775-A20F-AA5A272EEC18.png?resize=780%2C780&
quality=50&ssl=1 "EC8C4CAF-07F6-4775-A20F-AA5A272EEC18 - The Green Living Guy")

Santander led the global green finance race in 2010 edging out Goldman Sachs with
over $26 billion in renewable energy deals

### Sustainable Banking with Global Reach

While Goldman Sachs held the top spot in 2009, Santander jumped ahead in 2010 by
closing over $2.6 billion in renewable energy financing. Much of this success came
from European wind projects, where Santander played a major role in funding and 
advising.

In addition, the bank’s green approach extended beyond clean tech deals. Santander
implemented sustainability measures at its corporate offices worldwide. Its new 
Madrid headquarters—known as “Green City”—features solar panels, energy-efficient
lighting, and water recycling systems. These upgrades not only cut costs but also
align the bank’s physical operations with its financing priorities.

### Goldman and Others Still in the Race

Although Santander took the lead, Goldman Sachs, Credit Agricole, and BNP Paribas
all remained close competitors. The gap between the top five banks was relatively
narrow, highlighting growing interest in sustainable finance across the sector.

Still, Santander’s edge came from a consistent, global strategy. It combined aggressive
financing of clean energy with internal corporate sustainability. That’s also setting
a model for what green banking can look like at scale.

### A Shift in Green Capital Markets

This shift signals more than just competition between banks. It reflects how environmental
finance is becoming central to global capital markets. With countries pushing for
[decarbonization](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/epa-air-quality-in-chicago-a-turning-point-in-2011/)
and investors demanding ESG performance, financial institutions are racing to offer
green bonds, renewable deals, and low-carbon infrastructure support.

As the world accelerates its transition to clean energy, banks like Santander are
positioning themselves as both financiers and advocates for sustainable development.

Sources:

 1. [Bloomberg New Energy Finance](https://about.bnef.com/)
 2. [Reuters – Santander Sustainability News](https://www.reuters.com/companies/SAN.MC/environment)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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