MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Georgia’s largest hydropower plant - Enguri HPP will be shut down on January 20 for rehabilitation and repair works. The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Natia Turnava discussed in details information about the preparatory works for the large-scale project with the representatives of the state agencies of the country’s energy sector and construction companies implementing the Enguri rehabilitation project.

The importance of Enguri HPP for Georgia’s energy security was underlined at the meeting. Last time, the complex repair and rehabilitation works on the largest hydroelectric power plant in Georgia, which was put into operation in the 1970s, were carried out 15 years ago. According to the Minister, for the safe operation of the station it became necessary to temporarily stop its operation. The optimal period for the works was chosen taking into account the period when the level of water is lowest  in the Enguri. At the same time, the project will be implemented in the shortest possible time, on a 24-hour basis, in order to put the station into operation on May 1, 2021.

“The Enguri HPP rehabilitation project is a large-scale project, which is crucial for the energy security country of our country. Repair and rehabilitation works will be carried out on a 24-hour basis in order to complete the works in a timely manner and timely commissioning of the Enguri HPP,” – Natia Turnava said.

Representatives of German, Georgian and Turkish companies, winners of the renovation project, presented detailed information on the preparatory and planned works already carried out. The total cost of the rehabilitation project is 45 million. Euros, of which 7 million. Euro Commission grant, 38 mln. The euro is a financial resource of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Representatives of German, Georgian and Turkish companies, executors of the renovation-rehabilitation project, presented detailed information on the preparatory and planned works already carried out. The total cost of the rehabilitation project is 45 mln Euros, including 7 mln Euro Commission grant and 38 mln Euro is a financial support by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

It was noted that the most important component of the project is the repair of the derivation tunnel, which provides water flow from the basin to the machines. Therefore, in order to empty the tunnel and carry out repair works, it is necessary to stop the hydroelectric power plant completely. Repair of the derivation tunnel is necessary to repair damaged sections and reduce the volume of leaking water. Consequently, it will be possible to generate additional 100-120 mln kWh electricity annually.

Davit Narmania, the Chairman of the National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission, Davit Tvalabeishvili, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and other officials also attended the meeting.