Nenskra hydropower project, Georgia

17th November 2017 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Nenskra hydropower project, Georgia

Name of the Project
Nenskra hydropower project (HPP).

Location
The project is located in the upper reaches of the Nenskra and Nakra valleys, in the north-western part of Georgia, in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.

Client
Nenskra.

Project Description
Proposed is a greenfield high-head HPP, with an installed capacity of 280 MW.

The project will use the available discharges from the Nenskra river and the adjacent Nakra river, developing a maximum available head of 725 m down to the powerhouse, located about 17 km downstream from the dam.

The main project components comprise a 130-m-high, 870-m-long asphalt face rockfill dam on the upper Nenskra river, creating storage of about 176-million cubic metres and a reservoir area with a full supply level of 267 ha.

Part of the Nakra river will be diverted into the Nenskra reservoir through a 12.25-km-long transfer tunnel. The power waterway comprises a headrace tunnel of 15.1 km, a pressure shaft and an underground penstock 1 790 m long. The above-ground powerhouse is located on the left side of the Nenskra river and will house three vertical 93 MW Pelton turbines for a total installed capacity of 280 MW. A 220 kV transmission line that connects the powerhouse gas-insulated station yard to a new Khudoni substation will have to be built.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Value
The cost of the  project is estimated at $1.08-billion.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development plans to provide a $15-million equity investment for the project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Nenskra, tel +995 322 430 419.