Project Detail |
Project Objectives and Expected Results
The Project has been developed as part of Georgia’s Energy Strategy to increase the country’s energy security
by investing in renewable energy. The objective of the Project is to (i) increase the country’s power generation
capacity year-round, (ii) reduce dependency on fossil fuel-fired power plants and thus decrease their
associated pollution; and (iii) reduce imports of electricity from neighboring countries. The Project is designed
to store water during the summer so that energy production can be continued at a sustained pace during the
winter months, when it is expected to generate an additional 259 GWh, representing approximately 50% of
current electricity imports. It is also estimated that the Project will emit 477,500 tons of CO2-eq less per year
compared to alternative generation sources for the same energy production.
III. Project Description
The Project involves the development, construction and operation of a greenfield hydropower plant (280 MW)
located in the upper reach of the Nenskra River in the mountainous Svaneti Region, in the northwestern part
of Georgia.
The Project will construct a dam to impound the Nenskra River in a reservoir, a weir on the Nakra River to
divert the water to the Nenskra Reservoir, tunnels (headrace tunnel and transfer tunnel) and a powerhouse.
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Upon completion, the Project will produce electricity throughout the year, with average annual production of
1,219 GWh, to be sold to JSC Electricity System Commercial Operator under a Power Purchase Agreement
for a 36-year period. After 36 years of operation, the facilities will be transferred to the Government of Georgia
under a bilateral Build-Operate-Transfer arrangemen |