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.