Bratislava gets €50m for water modernisation and green biomass energy
Bratislava, Slovakia. Image courtesy 123rf
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €50 million ($52.5 million) to Bratislava water company Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť (BVS) for upgrades and extensions of its water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
The financing will help to align Bratislava water and wastewater management with EU regulations on water quality for the city while also allowing BVS, the city’s municipal water utility company, to increase utilisation of green biomass energy sources.
The water modernisation programme aims to increase the reliability of water supply for nearly half a million residents and businesses in Bratislava, Slovakia`s main business hub. It also aims to foster environmental responsibility, making the city more resilient to adverse effects of climate change and allowing BVS to further increase its efficiency and reduce its energy costs.
The modernisation project will include the replacement of aging infrastructure with advanced, efficient technologies designed to minimise water loss and improve distribution efficiency as well as expand BVS` network to accommodate the needs of the steadily expanding city.
Expansion of the water supply network will also increase protection of surface and underground waters in metropolitan Bratislava, as well as improve protection of the Danube.
Additionally, the adoption of biomass energy sources will significantly reduce the utility’s carbon footprint, aligning with the city’s commitment to climate action.
Have you read:
Veolia to harness GenAI for water, energy management
Tuscany water provider Publiacqua to roll out smart meters
Commenting in a release was EIB vice-president Kyriacos Kakouris: “EIB cooperation with BVS means people and businesses in Bratislava can look forward to cleaner water, efficient wastewater management and eco-friendly practices that enhance the city’s quality of life.
“Modern water management is crucial to ensuring the strength and sustainability of urban centres across the EU including Bratislava.”
Said CEO of BVS, Ladislav Kizak: “The cooperation approval followed thorough preparation and extensive communication with the EIB. This financing is significantly more cost-effective for us compared to commercial banks. This partnership with BVS is expected to play a crucial role in achieving our ambitious goals of improving our customer services and supporting the environment in our operational area.”
The financing follows a July 2024 announcement from the EIB of a water and wastewater infrastructure project for Bratislava, valuing a total of €68 million ($176.3 million).
The programme covers the period 2024-2026, financing the rehabilitation, upgrade, modernisation and extension of the water and wastewater management infrastructure in the catchment area of the Bratislava water company.
Additionally, the project will support investments related to renewable energy (biogas) generation.
BVS supplies drinking water to approximately 740,000 regular customers in 118 municipalities across western Slovakia. It draws water primarily from underground sources.
The utility’s shares are owned by 89 shareholders, with the City of Bratislava its majority shareholder (59.29%). BVS itself holds over 8%.
