November 19-20, 2022 a delegation comprising the advisory board focused on the environmental and social issues of the Bakhvi Hydroelopower Plant (HPP) and representatives from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Ozurgeti conducted an in-depth visit to the Akhalkalaki hydropower station. This station is part of the Caucasus Clean Energy Holding's (CCEH) project portfolio and is situated in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The Akhalkalaki project encompasses two hydropower plants, Akhalkalaki 1 and Akhalkalaki 2. These plants are located on the Faravan River and its right tributary, Korkhitskali. Together, they boast an installed capacity of 9.1 megawatts and an annual energy output of 50 million kilowatt hours. Officially inaugurated on November 5, 2022, the stations have since commenced commercial operations.
During the visit, the management team of Akhalkalaki HPP provided a comprehensive overview of the operational principles underlying the Bakhvi HPP to the advisory board members and NGO representatives. The delegation toured the infrastructure of the hydropower plant, paying particular attention to the naturalized fishing channel and gaining insights into its operational specifics. The afternoon session featured a working meeting, where the director of CCEH presented the organization's vision, goals, and strategic initiatives. Key points of discussion included the fund's approach to environmental and social issues, and the stringent standards applied to its portfolio projects. The Akhalkalaki HPP representatives elaborated on the environmental and social programs integrated within the project, outlining their core principles and implementation policies.
Giorgi Abramishvili, Director of Bakhvi HPP, expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the delegation: "We are delighted to welcome these distinguished guests to the Akhalkalaki hydropower plant. Our objective was to showcase one of the most advanced stations, recently operational, to the advisory council of Bakhvi HPP and leading NGOs in the region. Witnessing our facilities firsthand provides a clearer understanding of the Western standards and rigorous environmental and social management policies we implement in every project. This is our hallmark."
Founded in 2015, CCEH is an international investment firm with a successful track record in the Georgian market. Its diverse portfolio includes operational hydropower plants such as Lakhami HPP, Akhalkalaki HPP, Bakhvi 3 HPP, Achi HPP, and Intsoba HPP, alongside pre-construction projects like Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 HPPs. CCEH places a high priority on managing the environmental and social aspects of its projects, adhering to the environmental and social management standards set by internationally recognized financial institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).