The construction pace of small hydropower plants has intensified, but it does not play a turning point in the Georgian energy system. According to power specialist Gia Arabidze, the production rate for small hydropower plants at this stage is up to 5-6%, although a few years ago it did not exceed 2%.
“The construction of small HPPs is intensive, it costs less. This is an option assigned to a specific individual or any enterprise; it helps the power system, but fails to solve the problem that exists with regard to winter and renewable energies. During the COVID-19 period, when the Georgian economy was facing particularly difficult times, the small HPPs had to deal with the technical problem of operating the line, so their support is fundamentally important for the sector. The government aims at developing small-scale energy more intensively," - Gia Arabidze said.
According to the Electricity Market Operator (ESCO), the number of small hydropower plants is about 100.
As it is known, 20% of the Khobi 2 HPP construction works have been completed. The construction of the HPP is in an active phase in the village of Mukhuri, Chkhorotsku Municipality, the Lugela gorge.
Arrangement of road infrastructure has been completed. A tunnel boring machine (TBM) equipment is currently being stocked. In the coming days, its assembly and tunneling will begin.
The cost of the project is $ 100 million. The works are carried out by the Caucasus Road Project.
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One US dollar trades at GEL 2.7160
11/07/2025
