EIB Financing Supports Major Solar Expansion in Romania to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

EIB Financing Supports Major Solar Expansion in Romania to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank is providing €34 million in financing for three photovoltaic projects in southwestern Romania, part of a €121 million funding package alongside the EBRD and BCR. Developed primarily by Scatec with partner Defic Globe, the solar parks will deliver 190 MW of capacity—enough to power over 160,000 homes—and are scheduled to be fully operational by September 2027. Located in Olt and Dolj counties, the projects support Romania’s renewable-energy expansion, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports, and contribute to EU climate targets while fostering regional development and long-term energy security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 16-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — European Investment Bank has approved €34 million in financing to support the development of three large-scale solar parks in southwestern Romania, strengthening the country’s renewable-energy capacity and contributing to wider European climate and energy-security objectives.

The funding will assist subsidiaries of Scatec ASA in constructing and operating photovoltaic facilities with a combined installed capacity of 190 MW—sufficient to supply electricity to more than 160,000 Romanian households. The projects are located in Olt and Dolj counties within the Oltenia region near the Danube border with Bulgaria, with construction scheduled to begin immediately and full commercial operation expected by September 2027.

The EIB loans form part of a broader €121 million financing package alongside support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Romanian financial institution BCR. Project ownership is structured with Scatec holding a 65 percent stake and Defic Globe BV owning the remaining 35 percent.

Once operational, the solar installations—among the largest in Romania—are expected to play a meaningful role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing domestically generated clean electricity, and reinforcing the European Union’s push toward greater energy independence. Two of the three sites have already secured long-term revenue stability through Contracts for Difference awarded in Romania’s 2024 government auction, covering roughly two-thirds of anticipated output for nearly 15 years.

The projects will be located in the communes of Dobrun and Sadova and are aligned with Romania’s national objective to source more than 38 percent of final energy consumption from renewables by 2030, as well as the EU-wide target of at least 42.5 percent over the same timeframe. Beyond decarbonisation, the investment is expected to stimulate regional economic development and attract additional private capital into sustainable infrastructure.

Background information  

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the EU and the capital markets union.

The EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed almost €100 billion in new financing in 2025, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60 % of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants across five continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. www.scatec.com

Defic

Defic is a renewable energy development and investment platform focused on utility-scale renewable projects in Europe, with a particular emphasis on supporting the continent’s sustainable energy transition. The company is active across the full project lifecycle, including development, permitting, financing, construction coordination, and long-term asset management. Defic works closely with international financial institutions, commercial lenders, and strategic partners to deliver bankable projects that contribute to decarbonization, energy security, and the integration of renewable energy into European power systems. Through its portfolio, Defic aims to support the European Union’s climate and energy objectives while fostering sustainable economic development in the regions where it operates. https://deficglobe.com/

Media Contact:

Clara Wanjek-Bauer
c.wanjek-bauer@ext.eib.org
+352 4379 – 79529

Press Office

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank