EIB confirms EUR 200 million long-term loan to State Bank of India to support Indian large scale solar projects

DELHI -

The European Investment Bank today confirmed new support for solar power generation in India in partnership with the State Bank of India. The EUR 200 million (INR1,400 Crores) long-term loan will support total investment of EUR 650 million in five different large-scale photo-voltaic solar power projects and contribute to India's National Solar mission and reduce dependence on fossil fuel power generation. Four schemes across the country, with a generation capacity of 530 MWac, have already been identified.

The European Investment Bank is one of the world's largest lenders for renewable energy investment and this new initiative represents the EIB's largest ever support for solar power in Asia. Owned by the 28 members states of the European Union the European Investment Bank is the world's largest international public bank.

The loan agreement was formally announced in New Delhi ahead of the inauguration of the first permanent presence in India of the European Investment Bank by Finance Minister Jaitley, European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer and Vice President, Andrew McDowell, responsible operations in India and South Asia.

“The new cooperation between the State Bank of India and the European Investment Bank will scale up investment in large scale solar power generation across India. Close cooperation between technical and financial teams from both institutions will ensure that world class projects are supported.” highlighted Mr B Sriram, Managing Director, State Bank of India.

“Large scale investment in renewable power is essential to enhance affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. The European Investment Bank is pleased to strengthen our close partnership with the State Bank of India to support world class solar energy developments that will make a significant contribution to India's ambitious renewable energy goals. Unlocking new investment in large scale solar generation is crucial to ensure that renewable energy plays a leading role in India's energy mix in the years ahead. This new project reflects the shared commitment of India and the European Union to tackle climate change and implement the Paris Climate Agreement.” said Andrew McDowell, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, speaking at the start of a four day official visit to India.

The EUR 200 million 20 year long-term European Investment Bank loan will support individual projects following technical and financial due diligence. It is expected that projects in Telangana and Tamil Nadu states, and elsewhere in the country, will be backed by the new initiative. The European Investment Bank will support investment in individual solar projects alongside financing from Indian banks and project promoters.

The entire process of arranging the loan was facilitated by SBI's subsidiary, SBI Capital Markets.

“This new initiative demonstrates the European Investment Bank's commitment to support climate related investment and sustainable development around the world and here in Asia. We are pleased to highlight the importance of this project and renewable energy investment in India at the opening of our new Representation to South Asia in New Delhi.” added Vice President McDowell.

Whilst in the country the high-level European Investment Bank delegation will meet the Managing Directors of the India Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and India Infrastructure Finance Limited (IIFL) to discuss future support for renewable energy investment in India

The European Investment Bank has financed projects totalling EUR 1.7 billion (approx.INR 11,900 crores) in India since 1993. Last year the European Investment Bank Group provided EUR 84 billion to finance new investment around the world, including EUR 19.6 billion for climate related investment.