In a bid to enhance the infrastructure of Georgia's Enguri hydropower plant, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a sovereign loan amounting to €28 million. This financial support, directed towards the operating company Engurhesi, will be supplemented by a €7.05 million grant from the European Union (EU).
The allocated funds are earmarked for extensive refurbishment efforts, particularly focusing on bolstering the long-term structural integrity of the Enguri dam. Additionally, the investment aims to address maintenance needs in the underground tunnel and penstock, crucial components for ensuring a more dependable power generation and grid system.
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Moreover, the financing package is intended to curb water leakages within the headrace tunnel while facilitating increased renewable energy production. Infrastructure enhancements such as road construction for dam monitoring purposes, improvements to electricity grid safety and reliability, and the establishment of a fish passage downstream of the Enguri dam are also among the priorities.
The Enguri hydropower plant, along with the Vardnili hydropower plants, collectively form an energy complex constructed in the 1970s. Together, they contribute substantially to meeting around 30% of Georgia's electricity requirements, playing a pivotal role in the nation's energy infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
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EBRD's involvement in the rehabilitation efforts of the Enguri hydropower plant traces back to 1998. Over the years, their support has aimed at diminishing dependence on electricity imports, fortifying energy security, and aligning with Georgia's commitment to a more environmentally sustainable future.
