Georgia, Tbilisi, September 15 / Trend , N.Kirtzkhalia /
Georgia is preparing to become a major exporter of electricity, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said in Gardabani on Sept. 15 at the ceremony on commencement of construction of new electricity transmission lines, connecting Georgia to Turkey.
"The construction of this transmission line will make Georgia energy independence, and thus we will implement our promise to the people, which presupposes our energy independence and diversification of energy supply," the President said, noting that "always keep your word."
President of Georgia said that in addition to solving the energy problems of the country, construction of new transmission lines and hydroelectric power stations will allow producing electricity for export, as well as provide jobs for Georgian citizens.
Through new transmission lines, Georgia will supply Turkey thousand megawatts of electricity.
The project to build 500-kilovolt transmission line is financed by EBRD/KfW/EIB, its cost is 300 million euros. 500-kV transmission line (Gardabani-Akhaltsikhe-Zestafoni) with length of 246.4 kilometers is in need of rehabilitation. Also 400-kilovolt transmission line (Akhaltsihe) with a length of 34.6 kilometers will be built.
500-kV station Ahaltsihe will be built in 2009-2012. Only this year, the Georgian side plans to put 140 towers.
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