Turkish and Georgian energy ministers, as well as the head of a leading Turkish energy company signed Saturday a protocol for the construction of three hydroelectric power plants in Georgia., Anadolu Agency reported.
Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz, Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri and Agaoglu Group's chairman Ali Agaoglu put their signatures under the protocol during a ceremony held in Georgia's Batumi.
The power plants to be constructed by Agaoglu Energy will be built over the River Paravani and will have an annual production capacity of 277 million kWh. The construction work is expected to take 4 years.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Yildiz said Georgia had a unique position in the energy sector.
Pointing to Turkish investors' interest in Georgia, Yildiz said Turkish entrepreneurs aimed at making a remarkable contribution to the construction process of hydroelectric power plants and production lines in this country.
Georgian Minister Khetaguri said in his part that Turkey, which was a political partner for Georgia, had now become an energy partner.
Khetaguri said construction of the hydroelectric power plants would start next year, after technical infrastructure work was completed.
Delivering a speech, Turkish businessmen Agaoglu noted that his company was proud to make such an investment in Georgia.
"We are encouraged by our government's desire and determination to support Turkish investors," he said.
After the ceremony, Minister Yildiz departed from Batumi for Turkey.