Economy Minister announces “big plans” for Enguri HPP on plant anniversary

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday said the Government had “big plans” for the Enguri hydro power plant, the largest electricity producer in the country, to ensure its “successful” operation. 

Speaking at an event dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the HPP, Davitashvili noted the facility was a “very important political project” as it also supplied the country’s Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia. 

It is one of the rare threads for cooperation with our fellow citizens in occupied Abkhazia. Also, Enguri HPP gives hope that we will be able to restore the territorial integrity of our country and the ties between people”, the Minister said. 

Davitashvili highlighted the plant as the “most important energy facility for the country for decades” and highlighted the development of the domestic energy sector. 

Enguri HPP is an indicator that we can build and manage very important hydroelectric plants and develop the energy of the country by using renewable sources. Georgia has a great potential in this regard, which we unfortunately are not using”, he said.

The official noted energy was a “priority” field for the Government.

The Prime Minister of Georgia announced last year that energy would occupy a particularly important place in our economic policy. The Ministry [of Economy] has become significantly active in development of energy projects, as well as private medium and small-sized projects”, he said.

Honorary employees across professions who had ensured the operation of the HPP over the past 45 years were awarded at the event. Photo: Ministry of Economy

The Minister added the Government had “not delayed for a minute” the work for development of “large, important projects”, such as Khudoni HPP, earmarked for the country’s north-western Svaneti region. Once operational, the plant will be the second largest HPP in Georgia.

He also said his office was “actively” working on these projects to help utilise the country’s energy potential “more effectively” and contribute to energy independence of Georgia.

In light of the globally unstable situation and geopolitical challenges in our region, energy independence has no alternative. A successful and competitive economy can only develop if energy resources are used correctly and effectively”, Davitashvili pointed out.

The anniversary event involved Enguri facility employees, partner international organisations and representatives of the energy sector. 

The Ministry of Economy said honorary employees across professions who had ensured the operation of the HPP over the past 45 years were awarded at the event, which also hosted a screening of a documentary about the HPP by director Toma Chagelishvili.