Georgian PM unveils “largest post-Soviet” hydropower plant in western region

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday officially inaugurated the Khobi 2 hydroelectric power station in the country’s western Samegrelo region, calling it the “largest facility of its kind constructed in Georgia since the Soviet era”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kobakhidze highlighted the project involved an investment of $63 million and provided employment for 300 people during its construction.

With an installed capacity of 44.5 megawatts, the power station is expected to generate 202 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

This is an important project that will contribute to the further development of our economy and strengthen our energy independence. The [project] began in 2015, and the hydroelectric plant is now operational”, Kobakhidze said.

Photo: Gov't Administration

The Prime Minister said the Government had an “ambitious goal” to make domestic electricity production exceed consumption by 2030.

We have very ambitious plans for economic growth. Over the past four years, our economy has grown by ₾40 billion ($14.65bln), and according to our strategy, we aim to achieve another ₾40 billion in economic growth in the next four years. This growth should be accompanied by strengthening our energy resources, making such projects essential”, he said.

We have made significant progress in harnessing our energy resources since 2012. Our electricity generation capacity was 3,359 MW, with an installed capacity of 4,600 MW over the past 12 years, which represents a 37 percent increase in our energy resources”, Kobakhidze continued.

We also have an ambitious plan to exceed 8,000 MW of installed capacity by 2028, with a target of over 10,000 MW by 2030. Our goal is to ensure that by 2030, Georgia will produce more electricity than it consumes. This would make us completely self-sufficient and independent in terms of energy, further strengthening our national independence. We have laid the groundwork for this, and our efforts will continue”, he added.

Photo: Gov't Administration

The Prime Minister thanked the Georgian Investing Group Energy and its Head, Lasha Iordanishvili, for their role in bringing the project to fruition. He also acknowledged the company’s “commitment to social responsibility”, which he said included initiatives supporting local culture, sports, and education with measures such as fostering local folk ensembles and aiding local foundations  for talented youth.

Kobakhidze thanked the Ministry of Economy and Minister Levan Davitashvili, as well as to professionals of the electricity sector and those involved in the implementation of the plant project.