EIB Backs €146M Green Investment to Decarbonise Kronospan Operations in Central Europe

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €146 million loan to Kronospan, one of Europe's leading producers of wood-based panels, to accelerate its transition toward cleaner energy and reduced emissions across Central and Eastern Europe.

The financing will support a large-scale rollout of renewable energy systems and electrification measures at Kronospan's production facilities in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Scaling Renewable Energy in Industrial Production

At the core of the investment is the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including:

• Rooftop installations on industrial buildings

• Ground-mounted solar arrays at production sites

• Battery storage systems to improve energy efficiency and reliability

These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy independence, and lower operational costs.

Electrifying Industrial Logistics

The project also includes the replacement of fossil-fuel-powered forklifts and lorries with electric vehicles, marking a key step toward decarbonizing industrial logistics within manufacturing operations.

This transition is aligned with broader EU efforts to electrify transport and reduce industrial emissions.

Supporting EU Climate and Energy Security Goals

The investment directly contributes to the European Union's REPowerEU initiative, which aims to:

• Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels

• Accelerate the adoption of renewable energy

• Strengthen energy resilience across member states

It also aligns with the EIB's climate action and sustainability targets, reinforcing its role as the EU's climate bank.

Strengthening Sustainable Construction Supply Chains

Kronospan plays a critical role in Europe's housing and construction sector, producing materials essential for building infrastructure.

By improving the sustainability of its operations, the project supports:

• The EU's housing agenda

• The supply of low-carbon, sustainable building materials

• Increased resilience in construction supply chains

Boosting Regional Development and Jobs

A significant share of the investment will be directed toward EU cohesion regions, helping:

• Promote regional economic development

• Support local employment and industrial innovation

• Enhance competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer highlighted the broader impact:

"Kronospan is a vital part of Europe's housing and construction ecosystem. This investment will help the company cut emissions, lower energy costs, and stay competitive globally—all while supporting jobs and innovation."

Driving Industrial Decarbonisation in Europe

The financing reflects a growing push to decarbonize energy-intensive industries while maintaining competitiveness in global markets.

By combining renewable energy deployment, electrification, and energy storage, the project demonstrates how industrial players can transition toward low-carbon production models without compromising productivity.

Looking Ahead

As Europe accelerates its green transition, investments like this are expected to play a key role in reshaping industrial ecosystems—making them more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready.

The EIB's support for Kronospan signals continued momentum in aligning industrial development with climate goals, particularly in regions critical to Europe's manufacturing base.