The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a Turkish-lira-denominated sustainability-linked loan equivalent of up to USD100 million for Enerjisa Enerji A.Ş., Türkiye’s largest electricity distribution company. The financing will support the expansion and modernization of electricity networks across three regions – Ankara, the Asian side of Istanbul, and Toroslar – with the latter receiving particular focus to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the 2023 earthquakes.
The loan is part of a broader USD340-million sustainability-linked financing package arranged jointly with the International Finance Corporation, the Netherlands Development Finance Company and the Green for Growth Fund. By providing long-term financing in Turkish lira, AIIB is helping mitigate foreign-exchange risks and supporting sustainable investment in local grid infrastructure.
“This financing underscores AIIB’s commitment to advancing our core thematic priorities – green infrastructure, private capital mobilization and enhanced regional connectivity,” said Najeeb Haider, Director General, Project and Corporate Finance Clients Department, Global, AIIB. “By providing long-term local currency funding and structuring the loan around measurable climate and gender targets, we are helping accelerate Türkiye’s energy transition in a financially and socially inclusive way. The project strengthens domestic grid infrastructure, including in earthquake-affected regions, and demonstrates how sustainability-linked instruments can align private-sector participation with national and global development goals.”
“Resources we secure from international financial institutions represent far more than financing; they are, due to their duration, strategic levers for sustainable growth and energy transition,” said Philipp Ulbrich, CFO of Enerjisa Enerji. “This agreement stands as proof of the trust placed in Enerjisa Enerji’s long-term investment strategy and financial resilience. Thanks to our strong balance sheet, robust cash flow–generating business model, and disciplined cost and interest management, our company continues to earn the long-term confidence of international financial institutions.”
The project aligns with Türkiye’s national priorities and AIIB’s mission to finance Infrastructure for Tomorrow. It will enhance the reliability and efficiency of electricity services, support renewable-energy integration and expand digital systems such as smart meters and grid automation. The project also includes targets to reduce energy losses and improve gender inclusion, making it one of Türkiye’s first sustainability-linked loans in the regulated electricity sector.
This is AIIB’s second local-currency financing in Türkiye and its third sustainability-linked loan globally. It reinforces AIIB’s role as a trusted partner in Türkiye’s energy sector and deepens cooperation with the Sabanci Group, one of the country’s leading business groups.
Enerjisa is a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles and was the first company in its sector in Türkiye to be listed in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. AIIB’s support will further strengthen this leadership by linking the loan terms to progress on climate and social outcomes.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 110 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
About Enerjisa Enerji
Enerjisa Enerji, which pioneers the energy transformation in Türkiye by using the multiplier effect of sustainability and technology in line with its vision of ‘a better future for all,’ provides service to 26% of Türkiye in electricity distribution and retail, which are the main fields of activity of the company. Enerjisa Enerji, the prominent player in the industry, reaches 10.7 million customers in 14 provinces and provides electricity distribution services to more than 22 million users. While Enerjisa Enerji offers renewable energy, efficiency, and green energy solutions to its customers via its Energy of My Business brand, the company also operates the first and fastest charging station network in Türkiye with Eşarj, the company of which Enerjisa owns 100% of its shares. 20% of Enerjisa Enerji, whose main shareholders are Sabancı Holding and E.ON, is publicly traded in Borsa Istanbul.
