The National Environmental Agency Issues Its Environmental Decision on Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant Construction and Operation

On June 27, 2022, the National Environmental Agency issued its environmental decision on construction and operation of the natural runoff scheme Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant. On June 28, 2022, the decision was uploaded to the Agency web portal. Please visit the following link:  https://nea.gov.ge/Ge/GZSH/144.

"Today, we received a decision that enables and gives us an opportunity to switch to an essentially new level. We all had worked really hard to reach this stage. I would like to thank all those individuals who were either directly or indirectly involved in the project. Style of work, forms of communication, transparency, and regular dialogue with all stakeholders represent the line we chose that will naturally be retained in future. I am convinced that we will similarly successfully deal with the construction phase and commence as scheduled the operations of HPP, which will become one of the best HPPs in the entire country constructed by European standards. Our environmental and social program is fully based on recommendations provided by international experts and addresses local needs identified through the analysis of the survey conducted with the local population," said Mihkeil Nibladze, CCEH Hydro VI Director.

Public hearing of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report took place on February 10, 2022, at the Chokhatauri and Ozurgeti Municipalities administrative buildings. During the public hearings, the project received unprecedented support of the local population (Mtispiri and Chkhakaura communities).