Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 10 / Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
The Georgian Energy Ministry and the Turkish Kolin Construction signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of an HPP cascade along the Tekhura River on Nov. 10 in the Tbilisi Radisson, the ministry reported.
Energy Minister Aleksander Khetaguri and Kolin Construction Executive Board Chairman Naci Koluglu signed the memorandum.
The ministry announced its interest in building, operating and owning the HPP cascade on the Tekhuri River in the Samegrelo region in February.
Four companies had submitted proposals. Among them were two Turkish companies - Limak and Kolin Construction - as well as the German O. Balgioglu Energy Resources and Canadian Charthage Energy. After assessing the proposals, the government awarded the contract to the Turkish company.
The project envisages the construction of a cascade, which will consist of four HPPs on the Tekhuri River. Its total capacity will be a minimum of 105.7 MGW with an annual generation of 490 000 000 KWh. The cascade will consist of the four following HPPs - Erjia HPP, Ckhimra HPP, Nobulevi HPP, and Lechkha HPP.
Construction will run four years. Investments are estimated at $150 million.
Khetaguri said the project is important for Georgia.
"This will provide additional electric power, as well as revenues from its export and the opportunity to employ local people," he said.
"Turkey is interested in developing Georgia's energy potential to the maximum," Kologlu said after signing the document.
He stressed that a part of the generated electricity will go into Georgia's energy system, and some will be exported, including to EU countries.