ZELIOS - PV PLANTS - FRANCE ITALY

Investment Programme including the construction and operation of land-based solar PV plants in France and both land-based and building integrated solar PV plants in Italy. Based on the portfolio currently envisaged, total installed capacity is estimated at 315 MW.

The project contributes to national and European targets for renewable energy generation and thus contributes to environmental and security of energy supply objectives. The project contributes as well to the deployment of one of the priority technologies identified in the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan. In addition, the project contributes to the expansion of PV thin films, which still represent a small share of the PV market, and thus to the development of alternatives to the dominant technology of PV crystalline silicon.

The environmental and social impacts are likely to be limited to visual effects for most of the solar PV installations. Based on current information, the investment programme falls under Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment directive (85/337/EEC as amended by 97/11/EC and 2003/35/EC), leaving it to the competent authority to decide on the need for an EIA in line with the Directive. In line with the Bank's guidelines, the promoter's capacity and procedures to ensure compliance with environmental and biodiversity regulations will be assessed during appraisal.

Neither the promoter nor the project companies are subject to EU Procurement Directives. In line with its principles and its statute, the Bank will however ensure that suitable procurement procedures, including an appropriate selection of works, goods and services offered at competitive prices will be applied by the promoter and/or the special purpose companies. Details will be verified during appraisal.