The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €90 million loan to back the ambitious 2024-2028 strategic plan of Bordeaux Métropole Énergies (BME), the semi-public company majority-owned by Bordeaux Métropole. This financing will strengthen the energy transition in the Gironde department in France, promoting decarbonization and the development of renewable energy in the region.

The EIB loan will support four main areas of BME’s plan: the development of photovoltaic solutions in urban and rural areas for local authorities and companies, the creation and expansion of urban heating and cooling networks powered by renewable energy, the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion, and financing energy renovation works in individual homes and jointly owned buildings.

Commitment to a carbon-neutral future

Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the EIB, highlighted that this support will have “a positive impact across the Gironde department,” aligned with the climate action and the European Repower EU plan, which aims to accelerate the energy transition and reduce Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, Claudine Bichet, Chair of BME’s Board of Directors, stated that the financing is an “important step” for the company to play a key role in building a carbon-neutral territory by 2050. Audrey Dugal, BME’s CEO, added that it will allow them to “intensify investments in low-carbon energy and solutions alongside local authorities and companies in Gironde.”

This financial boost will enable BME to implement its roadmap, including solar projects on rooftops, parking lots, and ground-mounted plants, as well as renewable heating and cooling networks, biogas production, and energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings.

This operation also reflects the EIB’s tradition of supporting French local authorities and its commitment to climate action, contributing to making the housing sector more sustainable and low-carbon both in France and across the European Union.

We support Bordeaux Métropole Énergies with a €90m loan to accelerate decarbonisation in the Gironde department.

This project, part of #REPowerEU, will boost renewable energy, biogas, heating & cooling networks and home energy renovations in the region????https://t.co/yLnWYAWT4u pic.twitter.com/mcmll2ge37

— European Investment Bank (@EIB) May 28, 2025