Georgia, Tbilisi, April 14 / Trend corr. N. Kirtskhalia /
The President of Georgia on Saturday visited, two hydroelectric power plants built on the border with Russia.
Mikhail Saakashvili, accompanied by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia Alexander Khetaguri met with the builders of LarsiGES DaryaliGES.
Power of "LarsiGES" is 20 megawatts, and the "DaryaliGES" - 110 megawatts. Some of the facilities required for the operation of the stations have already been constructed. Tunnel length is under seal at 5.6 kilometers.
As the President of Georgia said, the country needs new powers of electricity, as the economy grows and requires new energy.
"We need these facilities and I do not understand those people who say that we do not need HPS. If we were in the late 80's would build HudoniGES, then it would not depend on Russia, and what this relationship has cost us all well-know "- he said.
Saakashvili said that by the year 2015 in Georgia will be built 15 new hydropower plants, which will not only develop the economy, but also create new jobs. "This is not only the workers, namely, skilled personnel who are trained at various universities in the country, and then these people will exploit our hydropower," - he stressed.
The Georgian President also stressed that the new hydropower plant will enable the country to organize a major import of electricity in Europe. "It is very important because Europe needs for energy, and we will supply clean energy and make a profit" - the president said.
The strategy of the Georgian government, private investors across the country have already started construction of 15 hydroelectric power plants. Electricity has to meet the growing needs of Georgia and will focus on exports - in Turkey and Eastern Europe.