The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €30 million loan to Italian water utility Azienda Comprensoriale Acquedottistica (ACA) to support the expansion and modernization of its water network. The financing, backed by the InvestEU program, will fund ACA’s 2024-2026 investment plan, focusing on improving water access, enhancing water quality, and optimizing wastewater management.
The first tranche of €20 million has already been signed. The project aims to introduce advanced technologies, reduce operational costs, and increase the overall efficiency of the water system. It also marks the first EIB green loan awarded to a business in Abruzzo, emphasizing sustainability and climate resilience.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the region’s ability to cope with extreme climate events, such as droughts, while improving water resource management and quality of life for residents. This agreement builds on an existing partnership between the EIB and the city of Pescara, which previously received €35 million for waste management and energy efficiency projects.
Italy’s water sector has received over €4 billion in financing from the EIB, the highest among all countries. ACA serves approximately 450,000 people across the provinces of Pescara, Chieti, and Teramo.
