EIB finalized a 15-year EUR 90 million EIB loan to Distribuie Energie Electrică Romania S.A. (DEER), the electricity distribution subsidiary of the Electrica Group, which represents the second part of EUR 210 million EIB backing for EUR 300 million of new ambitious energy infrastructure investment by Electrica Group. The nationwide scheme will support reinforcement and modernisation of the electricity distribution grid in the country, including upgrading and constructing new power lines, constructing and refurbishing of power substations and installing components for network automation across Romania.
“The European Investment Bank is pleased to provide EUR 210 million to support Electrica’s EUR 300 million nationwide investment programme to increase use of renewable energy, improve network capacity and deliver long-term decarbonisation goals. The latest EUR 90 million financing agreed with Electrica reflects the rapid progress of the transformational initiative and shared commitment of the EIB and Electrica to unlock greater use of renewable energy,” said Christian Kettel-Thomsen, European Investment Bank Vice President, responsible for energy and lending operations in Romania.
“New high-impact nationwide investment by Electrica is benefiting customers and allows greater renewable energy use in the future. The latest European Investment Bank financing will allow Electrica to replace outdated assets, better cater the energy needs of our 3.8 million customers through rolling out advanced meters and accelerate Romania’s green transition,” said Corina Popescu, CEO of Electrica.
The EUR 300 million Electrica investment programme includes new investment in Prahova, Dâmbovița, Buzău, Brăila, Galați, Vrancea, Brașov, Mureș, Covasna, Harghita, Sibiu, Alba, Cluj, Sălaj, Maramureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, Bihor and Satu Mare to modernise the local electricity distribution, reduce power losses and improve overall network reliability.
The network expansion will allow the connection of more than 180,000 new customers and unlock greater use of renewable energy in Romania in the years ahead.
The new Electrica network investment backed by the EIB will increase provision of affordable reliable and modern energy (SDG 7), support inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) and climate action (SDG 13).
The European Investment Bank has provided more than EUR 1.4 billion for energy investment across Romania since 1991.