SMART GRID AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE LINZ

The project consists of the deployment of an electricity distribution grid, smart grid and smart metering as well as of the refurbishment of the water infrastructure in the city of Linz in Austria and its surrounding region. The promoter is the licensed Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in the Linz and Upper Austria region of Austria and in charge of water and wastewater services in the city of Linz.

This project will improve the promoter's electricity network, water supply system, sewer network and wastewater services.

The electricity networks part of the programme comprises the implementation of a number of electricity distribution schemes from low voltage up to 110 kilovolts (kV). The programme schemes fall under Annex II of Directive 2014/52/EU amending the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU, which requires the competent national authority to determine the need for an EIA. Electricity distribution lines at medium and low voltage are typically implemented with low or insignificant environmental impact. The water and wastewater part of the programme mainly consists of the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure such as water mains, reservoirs and sewers, as well as the modernisation of the wastewater treatment plant. However, there are also some new facilities. All components are expected to comply with relevant EU directives (Urban Wastewater directive EC 91/271/EEC, Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC and Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC). Some of the water schemes are likely to require an Environmental Impact Assessment. Therefore, the promoter will be required to comply with Directive 2014/52/EU amending the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU. The promoter must also comply with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, including Art 4(7) where appropriate. According to the available information, the sub-projects are not within any Natura 2000 zones. This will be further analysed during the appraisal.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been and will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Directive 2014/25/EU and/or 2014/24/EU and/or 2014/23/EU, where applicable, as well as Directives 92/13/EEC and 89/665/EEC), as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the EU, with the publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU, as and where required.