Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, visited the Kakheti region to review the progress of construction works at the Stori Hydropower Plant (Stori HPP) and the “Stori HPP – New Telavi” power transmission line.

Mariam Kvrivishvili emphasized that achieving the country’s energy self-sufficiency and strengthening energy security are key priorities of the government’s economic policy and are of great importance for Georgia’s further development.

According to the minister, the implementation of projects such as the Stori HPP is essential to achieving these goals. Construction of the cascade-type Stori HPP is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Its installed capacity will be 47.6 MW, with an annual generation of 208 million kWh.

The integration of the hydropower plant into Georgia’s electricity system will be carried out via the 110 kV “Stori HPP – New Telavi” transmission line, which will be commissioned in parallel with the power plant.

“Projects such as the Stori HPP and the ‘Stori HPP – New Telavi’ transmission line serve several purposes. First and foremost, a hydropower plant of this capacity is important for the development of our country’s energy system. Electricity generation will increase, which will contribute to the stable supply of electricity to the population and other consumers. Equally important is the creation of permanent jobs in the region and the employment of the local population,” the minister noted.

Together with Mariam Kvrivishvili, the construction works were also reviewed by Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze, Deputy State Representative in the Kakheti region Mamuka Burdiashvili, Deputy Minister of Economy Inga Phkhaladze, and Director General of JSC “Georgian State Electrosystem” Vano Zardiashvili.

According to the minister, the implementation of the “Stori HPP – New Telavi” project in the Kakheti region will significantly increase the stability of the power transmission network and improve the electricity transmission capacity of eastern Georgia.

It is noted that during the visit to Kakheti, the Director General of JSC “Georgian State Electrosystem,” Vano Zardiashvili, and a representative of Mitas Energy and Metal Construction Inc., Barish Elbasioglu, signed an updated contract for the construction of the 110 kV “Stori HPP – New Telavi” transmission line.

The initial cost of the project amounted to €12.5 million; however, under the new document, the contract value was reduced by USD 3 million.