SPAIN: The European Investment Bank approved a €100m loan on June 13 to part-finance the planned €201m procurement of 26 electric and five electro-diesel trainsets for use by RENFE on suburban and rural services on the former FEVE metre-gauge network in northern Spain.
EIB said the replacement of life-expired rolling stock with more comfortable and accessible vehicles would encourage modal shift from road to more sustainable rail, ensure access to transport in rural areas, and reduce negative externalities such as accidents and pollution.
The electro-diesel trainsets would replace diesel vehicles, ending the use of diesel operation on electrified sections of line. The new fleet would also generate operating and maintenance costs savings.
The depots at El Berrón and Santander are to be modernised as part of the project.
