EIB Funds CAF’s Rail R&D: Spain, Poland Focus

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Introduction

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) have finalized an EUR 80 million loan agreement. This financing is earmarked for CAF’s research, development, and innovation (RD&I) program, focusing on digitalization, autonomous mobility solutions, and energy efficiency for trains and buses. The project aims to advance the transformation of a key sector, contributing to economic growth and emission reduction.

Project Financing Details

The EUR 80 million loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) is dedicated to financing CAF’s research, development, and innovation (RD&I) program. This initiative will support CAF’s investments in digitalization, autonomous mobility solutions, and energy efficiency improvements for both trains and buses.

Geographical Scope of RD&I Investments

The RD&I investments will be primarily implemented at CAF’s facilities located in Spain and Poland. These investments will drive research, development, and innovation efforts focused on autonomous mobility and energy efficiency for both trains and buses.

Strategic Objectives and Market Impact

The project is designed to bolster the competitiveness of the European industrial sector. It also aims to address the market demand for skilled employment within the urban and interurban transport sectors. CAF’s RD&I program focuses on integrating advanced technologies to enhance mobility solutions and promote sustainability in the transport sector.

Alignment with EIB Priorities

The financing agreement aligns with the EIB’s core priorities, specifically supporting technological innovation, cohesion, and environmental sustainability. These are three of the EIB’s eight core priorities as outlined in the EIB Group 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. The project also serves the TechEU initiative, which seeks to mobilize EUR 250 billion in investments by 2027 for innovative companies across Europe.

Conclusion

The EUR 80 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) will enable Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) to invest in its research, development, and innovation (RD&I) program. This initiative will focus on digitalization, autonomous mobility, and energy efficiency for trains and buses, with investments in Spain and Poland, supporting market demands and the EIB’s strategic priorities.

Company Summary

Compañía Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF): CAF develops comprehensive urban mobility solutions, including trains and buses, with a focus on research and development to integrate advanced technologies for a more sustainable transport sector.

European Investment Bank (EIB): The EIB is a financial institution that provides loans and other forms of financing to support projects that promote economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability within the European Union and beyond.

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