The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €200 million in funding to Romanian energy distributor Delgaz Grid to modernize the electricity network in Moldova, the northeastern region of Romania. This substantial loan is part of a €630 million investment plan by Delgaz Grid aimed at enhancing energy distribution for over 1.5 million households and businesses. The funding can be accessed in both EUR and RON, reflecting flexibility in financial planning.
Modernizing the Grid for a Sustainable Future
The modernization project, set for completion by 2027, will incorporate cutting-edge technologies to improve the energy grid's capacity for handling clean energy sources like solar power. The focus includes upgrades to high-, medium-, and low-voltage power lines, alongside advancements in metering and network automation. These changes will support the decarbonization of Romania’s energy sector, enabling more efficient electricity distribution and enhanced cross-border energy flows.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris emphasized the project’s importance:
“This initiative will not only improve energy efficiency but also accelerate the integration of renewable energy and drive economic growth in the region. The digital transformation of Delgaz Grid will make the system smarter, more resilient, and capable of powering millions of households for years to come.”
Key Highlights of the Investment
- 80,000 Kilometres of Network Modernization: The upgrades span a vast network, incorporating innovative technologies to meet modern energy demands.
- Support for Renewables: The project is designed to accommodate increasing capacities of renewable energy, promoting a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.
- Cross-Border Integration: As part of the Carpathian Modernised Energy Network (CARMEN) initiative, this project will enhance electricity interconnection and interoperability between Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria by 2028.
Driving Economic Growth and Sustainability
Volker Raffel, CEO of E.ON Romania, the parent company of Delgaz Grid, highlighted the transformative impact of these investments:
“Our €630 million investment plan focuses on upgrading and digitizing the grid to address the growing demands of renewable energy generation, prosumers, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This agreement with the EIB is a critical step in improving service quality, operational efficiency, and secure electricity flows. Together, we are driving sustainable growth in Romania’s energy industry.”
A Step Toward a Green Energy Future
The partnership between EIB and Delgaz Grid reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, this initiative will not only meet current energy demands but also pave the way for a more energy-efficient and resilient future in Romania. The integration of renewables and digital transformation will position Romania as a leader in green energy adoption within the region.
About the EIB’s Role in Romania
The EIB is a key institutional partner in Romania, financing projects that align with European sustainability and development goals. This collaboration with Delgaz Grid underscores the EIB’s commitment to fostering economic growth, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in the country.
With the upgrades to Moldova’s energy network, Romania is setting a benchmark for modernization and renewable integration in Europe, ensuring long-term benefits for its citizens and the environment.
