The European Investment Bank (EIB) granted Distribution Electric Energy Romania (DEER), the distribution operator within the Electrica Group, a loan worth 200 million euros to modernize its network which covers 40% of Romania’s territory and serves approximately 4 million households and businesses, informs a press release from Electrica.

„Electrica’s smarter and more resilient infrastructure will mean easier operations for the businesses it serves, better living conditions for people and, in general, a greener environment for everyone. Romania’s electricity network urgently needs investment to manage the aging of the infrastructure in the context of the increase in demand for electricity”, said EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris, quoted in the release.

The loan, which can be paid in euros or lei, will help DEER better serve its customers, improve energy efficiency and facilitate the connection of renewable energy sources.

„In times when we need financing for our ambitious development, the EIB’s support is a clear sign to the market that we are reliable and competitive. We are also happy to contribute to Romania’s and the EU’s energy and climate plans”, said Alexandru Chirita, general manager of Electrica.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its member states. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects strengthen competitiveness, stimulate innovation, promote sustainable development, strengthen social and territorial cohesion and support a fair and rapid transition to climate neutrality.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), has signed new financing worth a total of 88 billion euros for over 900 projects in 2023. These commitments are expected to mobilize around 320 billion euros in investments, which will support 400,000 enterprises and 5.4 million jobs.

DEER serves approximately 4 million users with a coverage of 18 counties in three geographical areas for the distribution of electricity: Northern Transylvania, Southern Transylvania and Northern Muntenia. Since July 2014, Electrica S.A., the group’s holding company, has been listed on the Bucharest and London Stock Exchanges.

AGERPRES