European Investment Bank (EIB), one of the world’s largest multilateral investors in the water sector, is providing EUR 50 million to the Bratislava municipal water utility company Bratislavská vodárenská spoločnosť (BVS) for necessary upgrades and extensions of its water supply and wastewater infrastructure. The financing will help aligning Bratislava water and wastewater management with EU regulations, ensuring the highest quality of drinking water in the city and also allow the BVS to increase utilization of green, biomass energy sources.
The modernization 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 fosters environmental responsibility, by making the city more resilient to adverse effects of climate change and allows BVS to further increase its efficiency and reduce its energy costs.
“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,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “Modern water management is crucial to ensuring the strength and sustainability of urban centres across the EU including Bratislava.”
“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,” said CEO of BVS Ladislav Kizak.
A modern water and wastewater infrastructure for Bratislava
The modernization project financed by EIB will include the replacement of aging infrastructure with advanced, efficient technologies designed to minimize water loss and improve distribution efficiency as well as expansion of the BVS` network to accommodate the needs from 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.
