Energo-Pro to build two-plant, 41.2-MW Zoti Cascade in Georgia

Energo-Pro Georgia, a unit of Czech-based power company Energo-Pro, has signed an agreement with the government of Georgia to develop the two-plant, 41.2-MW Zoti Cascade hydroelectric complex in Chokhatauri District of Guria Region.

Energo-Pro said it signed a memorandum of cooperation May 28, 2009, with officials of Georgia’s Ministry of Energy. The power company said project investment will total 92 million euros (US$130 million).

Zoti Cascade includes the 36-MW Zoti hydro plant and the 5.2-MW Kvirila hydro plant, to be built near the village of Zoti. Upon completion, they are expected to generate 166 million kilowatt-hours annually.

Energo-Pro said construction would be carried out by its own specialists, with additional workers to be hired. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2015.

In March, Energo-Pro said it plans to invest US$10 million over four years to rehabilitate and increase the efficiency of the 18-MW Ortachala hydroelectric project on the Mktvari River in central Tbilisi. (HydroWorld 3/4/09) The Ministry of Economic Development declared it the winning bidder in December for the privatization of Ortachala.

Ortachala is Energo-Pro’s ninth power plant in Georgia. Energo-Pro owns and operates eight other privatized hydropower projects exceeding 414 MW. It acquired much of Georgia’s electricity system, including two regional distribution utilities in 2007.