Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Connection with HPP Khudoni, Georgia

Client: World Bank, USA

Name of partner(s): N/A

Start/Completion Date: May 2007 - October 2007

Project description: This SEA Study was triggered by the planned feasibility study for the Khudoni hydropower project. The level of detail of the SEA Study, therefore, was such that it could provide necessary insight to support, or otherwise, a decision to move other consulting studies from a screening phase for Khudoni into a full-fletched feasibility study and, subsequently, provide necessary insight to support, or otherwise, a decision to implement the Khudoni investment project. Of secondary importance was the merit order of a limited number of rather large potential hydropower plants which of each could produce 400 GWh/annually or more. These plants are, as listed in government documents, Namakhvani (910 GWh), Paravani (440 GWh) and Tvishi (400 GWh). The very exact ranking among groups of power supply sources that do not involve the position of Khudoni, therefore, have less value, although the assessment of cumulative environmental and social impacts needed to cover the complete supply portfolio that enters a scenario. The two key outcomes arising from the SEA Study cover:

• An indicative least-cost generation system expansion plan which balances the needs for reliable supply of forecasted electricity demand and economic medium long-term system development; and
• Approach for establishment of the merit order for different development options taking into account economic, environmental, and social aspects.