Brussels, 07/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 7 January, the European Investment Bank (EIB) decided to lend €20 million to the Republic of Georgia to finance the completion of the rehabilitation of the generator units of the Enguri hydropower plant and investments at the Vardnili hydropower cascade that are essential to ensure safe water evacuation towards the Black Sea. This is the third EIB loan to Georgia for 2010 and the bank's second operation in the country's energy sector. It is in line with the EU's strategic guidelines for EIB activities under the Eastern Mandate. It will promote renewable energy generation, the operational safety of energy infrastructure and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from alternative fossil-fuel power generation, and also underpin regional cooperation. The EIB will co-finance the project alongside a loan of another €20 million from the EBRD and a grant of €5 million from the EU Neighbourhood Investment Facility. (O.L./transl.jl)