Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia, has launched 230 MW Gardabani 2 Thermal Power Plant (TPP) equipped with the most advanced technologies, the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC) told InterPressNews.

GOGC said, the facility distinguished for high efficiency and environmental protection technologies was built using GOGC investments in the amount of up to 180 million USD.

The TPP construction phase lasted from February 2018 to December 2019 and it will ensure power generation for the winter season of the current year to the full extent. It will generate up to 1,3 billion kWh electricity per year which makes up 11% of power generation of Georgia and significantly exceeds the total generation of all main HPPs of the country (except Enguri HPP Cascade).

For the first time in Georgia, the new TPP is equipped with the innovative, so-called 'black-start’ function which implies supply of electricity to the system and restoration from zero within the shortest period of time in case of emergency in the power system of Georgia.

The new combined cycle, energy-efficient TPP consumes twice less gas and will be more cost-effective than the old, gas-fired power units operating in Georgia.

"The new TPP is the second power generation facility for GOGC built within the framework of business diversification strategy. It will make a significant contribution to increasing of the energy security of the country and will essentially reduce dependence on import. About 450 local residents were employed for the TPP construction. About 200 permanent jobs will be created at the operation stage", Giorgi Bakhtadze, General Director of GOGC, said.

Among the speakers of the event were: Natia Turnava, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Yuan Xuemin, Director of the TPP construction company China Tianchen Engineering Corporation (TCC) and Li Yan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Georgia.

The TPP launching ceremony was attended by members of the Government of Georgia and the Parliament, heads of energy companies, industry experts, representatives of international organizations and banks.

JSC "Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation" (GOGC) is the largest state-owned energy company mainly focused on ensuring guaranteed supply of natural gas to the consumers of the Georgian social sector, as well as development of oil and gas transport infrastructure.

The company is one of the key players at the Georgian natural gas market. At the same time, it is actively engaged in power generation, oil and gas logistics and other significant energy projects.

GOGC holds an international investment rating BB- assigned by the international ratings company "Fitch Ratings".