EIB launches Green Rail Investment Platform

To fast track the implementation of rail investments, the new platform offers the lending, blending and advisory services of the EIB and the EU financial instruments available under InvestEU.

The EIB launched the “Green Rail Investment Platform” today. This new initiative will assist public and private investments in rail projects.

To fast track the implementation of rail investments, the new platform offers the lending, blending and advisory services of the EIB and the EU financial instruments available under InvestEU. It is available to all rail operators, infrastructure managers, transport authorities and other stakeholders. The Green Rail Investment Platform aims to address specific market needs, explore new business models and boost opportunities to finance innovation and climate action in rail transport.

“Rail transport will be the backbone of Europe’s future climate-neutral transport system. It is the only mode of transport since 1990 that has reduced its emissions and energy consumption, “ said EIB Vice-President Kris Peeters. “That is why investing in rail is a top priority for the EIB. The new Green Rail Investment Platform will help the rail sector to access EU investment financing and advisory support more easily.”

Find out more about eligibility criteria, financial products and advisory services under the “Green Rail Investment Platform” here.

The EIB and rail

Transport is key to growth and inclusion. It connects people and enables companies to trade. Since its foundation in 1958, the EIB has supported many of the transport networks that has helped Europe to thrive and grow closer together.

The EIB Group plays a significant role in the transformation of mobility into a low-carbon future. This year we launched a new public consultation on its support for the sector. The aim is to redefine the priorities of our support within the framework of the pioneering Climate Bank Roadmap and to strengthen the impact of our future transport investment.

As the EU Bank, the EIB supports the shift to rail through financing and advisory support, to help to cut greenhouse gas emissions and pollution and to prepare EU transport for the future.

Our investments in lower carbon transport (railway, metro, tramways and alternative fuels) have already increased from EUR 6.7bn in 2019 to EUR 7.2bn in 2020, an increase of almost 10%.

In the last ten years, the EIB has supported the rail sector with more than EUR 40 billion. Lending for rail rolling stock has become more important in the EIB rail portfolio increasing from 33% in 2017 to 60% in 2020 (in terms of loan amounts signed). The EIB is now focussing on financing projects, that comply with Climate Action targets, such as electric rail rolling stock and other zero-tail pipe emission trains such as hydrogen and batteries trains as well as in rail infrastructure and intermodal terminals.