The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its international‑partnerships arm EIB Global, announced a $1.16 billion (€1 billion) financing initiative to strengthen electricity systems and promote clean energy across Central America.

The funding will support upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure as well as renewable energy generation projects in Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize. Announced at the CELAC‑EU Summit in Colombia, the initiative aligns with the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda and emphasizes a “Team Europe” approach, combining EU institutions, member states, and private-sector partners.

The operation will be implemented through five to six sub‑operations, each ranging from $174 million to $406 million (€150 million to €350 million), using framework loans and investment agreements with national utilities and regional institutions. With an anticipated climate-action contribution of roughly 85%, the project aims to increase renewable generation, reduce energy losses, improve access to reliable electricity, and support the Central American Regional Electricity Market (MER).

The initiative also opens opportunities for European companies to participate in the region’s growing energy market while fostering regional integration, sustainability, and a just energy transition.

Source: eib.org