Project summary document

Project description
and objectives:

The project enables the borrower to address urgent investment needs for the rehabilitation of the district heating networks in the cities of Buzau, Fagaras, Oltenita, Pascani and Ploiesti.

The project will:

• increase significantly the heating systems' efficiency by reducing the fuel, heat and water losses, and support demand-side investments;
• contribute to the implementation of a market-oriented regulatory framework in the heating sector and support the commercialisation of the heating companies; and
• create environmental benefits by reducing the SO2, NOx, particulates and CO2 generated by the companies' heating production and distribution facilities.

Transition impact:

The project will:

• contribute to the formation and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises;
• contribute to the implementation of a cost-based pricing of energy and effective collection of receivables;
• support the implementation of a market-based system for regulating the sector and reduce the market distortions in the sector; and
• improve effective corporate governance and speed up the transfer of market-economy management skills.

The client:

The borrower is Romania, and the beneficiaries and implementing agencies are the district heating companies operating in the municipalities of Buzau, Fagaras, Oltenita, Pascani and Ploiesti.

EBRD finance:

The proposed loan is US$ 45 million (ECU 36 million): 15 years' maturity and five years' grace period.

Total project cost:

The total project cost is estimated at US$ 74.38 million (ECU 59.5 million).

Environmental impact:

The project was screened as B/0, requiring an environmental analysis. This was carried out for all five towns covered by the project by an independent international consultant. As part of the environmental due diligence, a quantitative analysis of air emissions for two scenarios was undertaken, comparing:

• a business-as-usual scenario, i.e. the level of emissions if the system continues to operate without technical modifications but production increases to meet current heat demand, and
• a least-cost scenario, i.e. the level of emissions following implemention of the rehabilitation programme and conservation measures to be financed under this project.

The analysis demonstrated that the project will have a positive environmental impact as it will significantly reduce air emissions.

All boilers will burn natural gas as the main fuel. The new boilers will comply with Romanian and European Union emission standards as shown below:

Air emissions from new boilers (mg/Nm3) Project

Particulates  5
Nitrous oxides  200
Sulphur dioxide  35

Air emissions from new boilers (mg/Nm3)EU standards

Particulates  5
Nitrous oxides  350
Sulphur dioxide 35

Other project components will be designed and implemented in accordance with applicable Romanian laws and good international practices.

The results of the environmental analysis were discussed with the local environmental authorities, who endorsed the conclusions presented by the consultants. Environmental and health and safety permits to commence construction and rehabilitation works have been issued by the Romanian regulatory authorities.

Technical
cooperation:

Technical cooperation will focus on procurement, engineering design and a project management advisory service to ensure that the project is properly implemented.

For consultant opportunities for projects financed by technical cooperation funds, visit procurement of consultants.

EBRD contact:

Anca Ocroteala, Operation Leader: ocroteaa@ebrd.com

Procurement or tendering
opportunities:

Visit EBRD Procurement
Enquiries: Tel: +44 20 7338 6794; Fax: +44 20 7338 7472, Email: procurement@ebrd.com

General enquiries:

EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168; Fax: +44 20 7338 7380
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com