Polish cities to modernise heating distribution networks with EU help

The heating distribution operators of two Polish cities – Bydgoszcz and Lublin – have signed two financing agreements with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance their modernisation programmes.
This project will result in energy savings thanks to reducing energy loss, as well as better air quality for local residents, the European Commission said, adding that the two EIB loans of PLN 100 million (€23.2 million) each will help retrofit existing pipes and substations and connect new homes. The projects are part of the Programme Loan Heating Sector in Poland, which benefits from the guarantee of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the financial pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe.
“To make the European Green Deal Investment Plan a success, we need to invest hugely in boosting energy-efficiency,” EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said. “The financing provided today by the EU’s climate bank is excellent news for the citizens of Bydgoszcz and Lublin – and another success story for transition towards climate-neutrality,” he added.
As of December 2019, the Investment Plan had mobilised €458.8 billion of investment across the EU, including €21 billion in Poland, and supported more than one million start-ups and small and medium businesses.