EIB Boosts Dutch Grid Resilience with €500 Million Loan to Stedin

EIB Boosts Dutch Grid Resilience with €500 Million Loan to Stedin

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has granted a €500 million loan to Dutch grid operator Stedin to enhance and expand its electricity distribution network over 2025–2026. The financing will support upgrades to Medium and Low Voltage systems in Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, and Zeeland, aiming to modernize aging infrastructure, alleviate grid congestion, and connect new customers—including support for more electric vehicle charging stations. The project underscores the EIB’s commitment to energy transition and sustainable infrastructure, while also ensuring that the network is resilient against climate change impacts.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 12-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has finalized a €500 million financing agreement with Dutch grid operator Stedin to upgrade and expand its electricity distribution network. This new loan, set to be executed over the 2025–2026 period, will drive major improvements in both Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) systems across Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, and Zeeland. The funds will support the renewal of aging infrastructure, alleviate grid congestion, and facilitate the connection of new residential and commercial customers, including the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations. This strategic financing initiative is a key element of the EIB’s broader commitment to supporting innovative energy projects that underpin a resilient and sustainable energy future in Europe.

Robert de Groot, Vice President at the EIB, remarked that ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply is vital for the transition to a more autonomous, resilient, and green economy. He highlighted that the EIB is deeply invested in the energy transition, from large-scale wind farms to the modernization of distribution networks. Stedin CEO Koen Bogers echoed this sentiment, noting that the new credit facility not only diversifies the company’s financing mix but also reinforces its ability to meet the escalating demand for reliable energy while adapting to future challenges such as climate change-induced flooding and water damage.

This financing package reinforces the vital role of sustainable infrastructure investment in achieving long-term energy security and operational excellence. By modernizing its network with advanced automation and climate adaptation measures, Stedin is poised to support the energy needs of an expanding customer base while contributing to the broader decarbonization goals of the European Union.

Background Information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The Netherlands owns a 5,2% share of the EIB. It makes long-term finance available for investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals and national priorities. More than 90% of its activity is in Europe. In 2024 the EIB Group made available over €3 billion for Dutch projects.

Stedin Group is increasing the sustainability and maintaining the robustness and affordability of the energy system. This is achieved through the combined efforts of grid operator Stedin (active in the greater part of the provinces of South-Holland, Utrecht and Zeeland) and the experts of NetVerder and infrastructure company DNWG Infra, all three of which are part of Stedin Group.

Media Contact:

Tim Smit
t.smit@eib.org
+352 4379 – 89076

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank