The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €49 million to support the project of Iniziative Bresciane S.p.A. (INBRE) aiming to enhance and restore 13 river weirs and install 12 small run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the Arno river in Tuscany, Italy. With over 25 years of experience in the development of hydroelectric energy projects, Brescia-based INBRE will onlend the EIB funds to Iniziative Toscane S.r.l. (Intos), which will be responsible for building the hydroelectric plants and restoring the weirs. The operation will help create almost 10 MW of renewable energy capacity, with an estimated efficiency of 55 GWh/yr, as well as further improving the flood safety of the Arno river. The EIB estimates that these plants will provide enough clean energy to supply nearly 22 600 households/yr. When implementing the project, special care will be taken regarding the conservation of historical heritage in the areas of Sieci, Compiobbi, San Niccolò, and Isolotto.

photo credits: Arno River / pixabay