Report on CCEH Management Meeting with Local Population and Updates on Additional Studies

On June 4, 2021, CCEH company management held a meeting with Ozurgeti Mayor, Mr. Konstantine Sharashenidze, and NGO representatives active in the municipality. Later, on June 5, 2021, the company management met with local residents in resort Bakhmaro. Company Director Mikheil Nibladze presented to the audience the planned small HPP Bakhvi 1 Project on the river Bakhvistskali, which is currently in the  feasibility phase. The discussion about the project proceeded in the Q & A format. Alongside the company director, company Project Manager Gigla Sikharulidze and ESG Manager Nana Berdzenishvili responded to questions posed by the interested parties. 

It is worth noting that the company has moved to a phase of in-depth studies, in which European experts have actively engaged.

"Our goal is to carry out the Bakhvi 1 HPP Project in full compliance with environmental and social management standards set by international financial institutions like IFC and EIB, as well as in accordance with the Georgian legislation and regulations. The company has an independent environmental and social management system in place and each time it ensurs compliance with procedures set by this system, which includes not only the studies mandated by the national legislation, but also engagement of highly qualified international and local experts who carry out specific studies, as required.  In fact, above mentioned standards  are the guidline for the company, in terms of defining which studies and assessment should be  carried out and which mitigating measures to be put in place.. We wish to set a precedent, that small HPPs construction in Georgia is possible, by planning and implementing such mitigating measures that minimize environmental impact," said CCEH Hydro VI Director Mikheil Nibladze. 

At this stage, a full feasibility study for Bakhvi 1 HPP is underway developed by AFRY, European consulting company with vast international experience. The company was founded in 1895 and is a global leader in the areas of engineering, designing, and consultancy. Upon completion of the feasibility study, technical parameters of the project will be specified and environmental impact will be reflected accordingly in the environmental impact assessment document.

The company has already initiated the study of climate change risk assessment study for Bakhvi 1 HPP. Fund expert Mr. Pierre Biedermann has engaged in the process of report development. He is well-versed in internationally recognized approaches and methodologies for similar studies.  In 2020 and 2021, Pierre Biedermann visited Guria to analyze an overall situation on the ground. He is also our company adviser in biodiversity and social issues. 

CCEH Hydro VI is intending to involve an international company, which will use methodology developed by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). IHA developed the Climate Resilience Guide, which provides the methodology for all types (renewable, greenfield), scale, and geography hydropower projects. The methodology includes climate risk screening, data analysis, climate resilience testing and monitoring, assessment, and accountability.

The UK Office of consulting company SLR has already engaged in the biodiversity study. Since 1994, the company has been a global leader in environmental and consulting solutions and has assisted its clients throughout the world in achieving sustainability goals. 

For the company of utmost importance is care for protected species.  The protected species include both the species listed on the Red List of Georgia and the ones protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the last week of May 2021 ichthyologist, zoologist, and ornithologist visited the area.  SLR expert Nicola Faulks will arrive in Georgia and starting from June 14 engage in bats research. Also, for the week of June 14th is planned the study of amphibians and reptiles and at the end of June a botanist is scheduled to conduct a study of local flora.

"We are transparent and looking forward to collaborate at the assessment stage with all interested groups. The company undertakes each step in an open and transparent manner and we will allow local environmentalists to get engaged into the researchers' activities. I believe it is an interesting proposal and unique opportunity for the local environmentalists to take part in the research conducted by prominent international and local experts." said Mikheil Nibladze, CCEH Director.

Results of the assessments conducted  by world renowned highly competent consulting and research organizations and experts will be added to the environmental impact assessment report and submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. 

Earlier, on May 5, 2021, discussion on the Bakhvi 1 HPP Project was held at the Chokhatauri Municipality Local Council. CCEH Hydro VI LLC management, Chokhatauri Local Council members, representatives of NGOs, civil society, and the media participated in the discussion