EIB could finance CEZ"s project in Dobruja

F.A.
English Section / 9 mai 2009

Czech energy company CEZ, which intends to develop a wind farm in Dobrudja, is looking to secure funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB), with talks having reached an advanced stage, according to Jean Christophe Laloux, Head of the South Eastern Europe Division at EIB. CEZ"s project involves the construction of a 600 MW wind farm with a total value EUR 1 billion. The first stage is currently in execution and will be completed by the end of the year.

He said: "We had discussions with officials, as well as Czech representatives of the company, on the issue of funding the project that the company wants to develop in Dobruja. Right now, it is too early to express an opinion. There is a big difference between discussing the loan and granting it, but I believe we are going to sign the agreement by the end of this year". CEZ is currently negotiating with several commercial banks, as well.

The EIB is willing to fund up to 50% of the value of a project, and its officials are currently holding talks with another Romanian energy company. "Apart CEZ, we are discussing funding a hydroelectric energy project", Mr. Laloux, said, who added: "This year, about one third of the estimated EUR 1.5 billion in loans granted by the EIB will go towards funding energy projects". EIB official said that the bank already granted an EUR 200 million loan for Petrom"s electrical plant, so that leaves EUR 300 million for CEZ"s project and several other smaller projects.

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