Piraeus Bank joins new EIB green and urban infrastructure investment programme
– Piraeus Bank to support EUR 650 million national infrastructure initiative – Financing under the national investment programme to be available in coming weeks – Eligible renewables energy, energy efficiency and urban projects – Innovative financing scheme combines EU, national and EIB funds
Piraeus Bank has agreed to support a new EUR 650 million infrastructure investment programme developed by the Hellenic Ministry of Development and Investments and the European Investment Bank. Piraeus is the second leading Greek bank to confirm participation with the scheme.
Projects will be able to apply for new financing under the initiative in the coming weeks.
“Piraeus Bank, the largest bank in Greece, has exhibited a focus on sustainable development, combined with a longstanding commitment to the financing of investments contributing to the protection of the natural environment, the regeneration of Greek cities and the support of the Greek society. Expanding our long-standing cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group, we have signed this new agreement for Piraeus Bank’s participation in the Infrastructure Fund of Funds with the intention to finance projects in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and urban development. Through this participation, Piraeus Bank confirms its strategic focus in supporting environmentally and socially responsible entrepreneurship and reinforces its capabilities in promoting investments that contribute to the upgrade of the urban landscape.” said Mr. Christos Megalou, Chief Executive Officer of Piraeus Bank.
The European Investment Bank welcomes the involvement of Piraeus Bank whose local knowledge and sector expertise will help implement projects under the Infrastructure Fund of Funds initiative across Greece. The programme will accelerate clean energy investment, improve energy efficiency and more importantly enable completion of projects delayed in recent years. We look forward to supporting the first investment under this exciting initiative in the weeks to come in partnership with a strong local partner” said Andrew McDowell, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for Greece.
“The Greek Government, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the participating Greek banks, is promoting and actively supporting through public funding financial mechanisms that enable further investments to the Greek economy. The Infrastructure Fund is coming to support project financing needs in areas such as renewables, energy efficiency and urban development. We are here to support participating businesses and public bodies in every way possible.”, said Mr. Ioannis Tsakiris, Deputy Minister of Development and Investment.
Piraeus Bank will initially use EUR 32 million from the new fund to support investment in projects across Greece.
Additional support from partner banks is expected to be confirmed following identification of eligible projects.
New scheme to unlock investment across a range of sectors
Piraeus Bank will identify and invest in new clean energy projects including wind farms, photovoltaic installations, biomass and biogas plants and hydroelectric power stations. New investment to improve energy efficiency in the public and private buildings will also be examined.
The new initiative will unlock investment in projects expected to have a significant impact in socio-economic development such as industrial parks, education and cultural facilities, construction, expansion, upgrade or refurbishment of hotels and tourism facilities, including hot springs, marinas, conference centres.
A number of schemes are also expected to enable use of previously abandoned facilities by new commercial activity.
Innovative scheme combines European and national financing for Greek investment
The Hellenic Ministry of Development and Investments, established the Infrastructure Fund of Funds with the European Investment Bank with the aim of maximising the impact of grants from European Structural and Investment Funds, along with national funds sourced from an EIB loan and proceeds returned from previous urban investment under the JESSICA initiative.
Once fully operational, the new infrastructure scheme will provide financing of EUR 450 million unlocking total investments of at least EUR 650 million for sustainable projects across priority sectors. The European Structural and Investment Funds contribution comes from the Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2014-2020.
Greece: EIB and National Bank of Greece launch new green and urban infrastructure investment scheme
– National Bank of Greece first partner bank under EUR 650 million national infrastructure initiative- Scheme to support renewable, energy efficiency and urban projects- Innovative new scheme combines EU, national and EIB funds
New investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and urban development projects across Greece will be supported following the first agreement under a new EUR 650 million infrastructure investment initiative.
The National Bank of Greece is the first partner bank under the Infrastructure Fund of Funds and will identify and invest in new projects expected to include wind and photovoltaic parks, biomass and biogas plants, energy efficiency in public and company buildings. Urban schemes intended to rehabilitate deprived districts and as well as water and waste management and tourism are also expected to benefit.
In addition, the National Bank of Greece will provide own funds and help mobilise additional private funds for the financing of these projects. Other leading banks active in Greece are also expected to become partners under the Infrastructure Fund of Funds.
The Hellenic Ministry of Economy and Development, established the Infrastructure Fund of Funds with the EIB with the aim of maximising the impact of European Structural and Investment Funds, along with national funds sourced from an EIB loan and proceeds from previous urban investment under the JESSICA initiative.
Once fully operational the new infrastructure scheme will provide financing of EUR 450 million unlocking total investments of at least EUR 650 million for sustainable projects in the priority sectors. The European Structural and Investment Fund contribution comes from the Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2014-2020.
“Local investment is essential to harness renewable energy, cut energy use and improve urban areas and unlock projects that have been delayed in recent years. The Infrastructure Fund of Funds combines financial resources and technical expertise essential for priority and high impact investment. The European Investment Bank is pleased to work with National Bank of Greece, the first partner under this new initiative, and we look forward to scaling up the programme in the coming months.” said Andrew McDowell, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for Greece.
“The Infrastructure Fund of Funds agreement will further strengthen our long-standing cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group. Providing financing solutions for infrastructure that also foster sustainable development and inclusive growth is a key element of National Bank of Greece’s strategy. This agreement reinforces our strategy and underlines our unequivocal commitment in supporting the transition to a greener economy, focused on the protection of the environment and the promotion of resource efficiency while creating new jobs and supporting the country’s economic recovery” said Paul Mylonas, CEO of National Bank of Greece.
The National Bank of Greece and the European Investment Bank, which will manage the new fund, agreed details of the first EUR 32 million component to be made available for investment.