Nordic Investment Bank lends up to €10 million for Vilnius street lighting renewal

The Nordic Investment Bank has signed a 12-year financing agreement worth up to €10 million with Vilnius municipal energy group Gijos to support the modernisation of the Lithuanian capital’s street lighting infrastructure.

The financing will support a €20 million renewal programme scheduled for 2025–2027 and implemented by Gijos subsidiary Vilniaus Apšvietimas.

The programme focuses on replacing ageing street lighting poles, many of which were installed in the mid-1970s. The new structures will be made of modular metal components designed for a service life of approximately 30 years.

According to Gijos CEO Gerimantas Bakanas, the replacement programme will reduce maintenance requirements and improve the reliability of street lighting across the city.

The modular design will also allow damaged structures to be replaced without removing their foundations, while integrated functions are expected to reduce the overall number of poles required.

Vilniaus Apšvietimas already operates a network combining public lighting and other urban infrastructure, including 478 electric vehicle charging stations integrated into lighting poles.

The new loan finances part of the existing modernisation programme rather than launching a separate infrastructure project.