The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved financing of up to €345 million for Italian energy company Alperia to support a wide-ranging sustainable infrastructure upgrade in South Tyrol. The investment is aimed at strengthening energy security, modernizing renewable energy systems, and accelerating the region’s clean energy transition.
The financing, structured as a green loan, will be deployed across several strategic areas including hydropower plant refurbishment, electricity grid upgrades, expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and development of district heating networks. The first tranche of €200 million was signed on July 1, 2026.
A major focus of the investment is the modernization of hydropower facilities that generate over 3,000 GWh of electricity annually, enough to supply more than one million households in Italy. The upgrades are expected to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the region.
The project also includes significant expansion of electricity distribution networks to meet rising demand, alongside the installation of around 400 electric vehicle charging stations. In addition, more than 200 buildings will be connected to upgraded district heating systems, improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
EIB officials stated that the financing supports broader European climate and energy goals by promoting cleaner infrastructure and improving long-term system resilience. The initiative also reflects the bank’s strategy of mobilizing private investment for large-scale green infrastructure projects across the European Union.
Alperia, one of Italy’s leading renewable energy companies, operates extensively in hydropower generation, electricity distribution, and district heating. The company has set long-term decarbonization targets, including significant emissions reductions by 2031 and a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, aligning with broader European climate neutrality objectives.
