The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €1bn financing package to support energy transition in France, to finance housing, energy efficiency of buildings, support for SMEs and midcaps, and biomass projects.
The EIB and the banks BPCE, Banque Postale and Crédit Agricole will provide a financial package of €400m for the construction and rehabilitation of public buildings in France to reduce their energy consumption whilst optimising their energy performance.
The EIB will also lend €112m to France Biomasse, promoted by ENGIE, to support the construction of four biomass power plants (heat-only or cogeneration, with a capacity of 20-60 MWth) in Forbach, Épinal, Lacq and Nantes. These plants will replace existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.
A €400m loan will help private individuals have support and access to "greener", renovated housing that is energy efficient, through attractive lending terms for renovation. Finally, the EIB, in partnership with Crédit Coopératif, will dedicate €75m to social, educational and cultural structures such as associations, and SMEs, midcaps and agricultural cooperatives.