Hydropower in Georgia
May 6, 2015
Since 2011 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has provided USD 210.5 million to three greenfield hydropower projects (HPP) in Georgia – Paravani, Dariali and Shuakhevi. Instead of bringing improvements on the ground and environmental standards that are on par with best international practice, the EBRD has, by funding these projects, simply justified the wrongdoings that were from the beginning apparent: the degradation of river ecosystems, corruption and threats to people.
Khudoni hydropower plant, Georgia
April 28, 2015
While a mountain community will have to be forced to resettle for this mega-project, the opaque ownership and weak taxation mean that benefits for Georgia are highly doubtful.
Guest post: Ombla must be protected, not flooded!
April 21, 2015
The project promoter of the Ombla hydropower plant in Dubrovnik, Croatia is still stubbornly pushing the project forward. A presentation yesterday of a new nature impact assessment did not offer answers to a range of outstanding questions, including the project’s economic feasibility, impacts on locals and more.
The Great Rush – The European Union’s responsibility in natural resources grabbing
October 31, 2014
Land, forests, water and raw materials are valuable resources that increasingly interest the major players of the economy of our planet. This report collects 16 case studies from around the world in order to better understand the impacts of natural resource grabbing on the local communities, clarify the responsibilities of the European Union and, in conclusion, examine actions to be undertaken to invert this phenomenon.
Flood impacts kept secret by hydropower plant constructor in Georgia
October 6, 2014
Georgian Urban Energy (GUE), the company in charge of constructing the Paravani hydropower plant (HPP), has been keeping secret a study on the potential flooding risks associated with the facility, despite requests and promises from the EBRD that such an analysis would be made public.
Second fatal landslide in Georgian Dariali valley
August 22, 2014
While likely not the cause, the EBRD-financed Dariali hydropower plant is being constructed without proper assessment or mitigation of known geological risks. The construction must be halted to avoid further damage.
Will Georgia go green after EU association agreement?
June 26, 2014
On Friday Georgia will sign an association agreement with the European Union, meaning that our country will start cooperating more closely with the EU and even implement more European legislation. This is good news, particularly when it comes to the environment.
The Shuakhevi hydropower plant project, Georgia
May 2, 2014
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved a loan of up to USD 86.5 million for Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL), a subsidiary of the Norwegian Clean Energy Invest for the construction of the 185 MW Shuakhevi hydropower plant (HPP). The project involves the construction of two dams and three diversion tunnels. Bankwatch member group Green Alternative has concerns about the possible negative impacts of the Shuakhevi HPP and the overall justification for the project, both explained in this briefing.
Dariali hydropower plant project, Georgia
May 2, 2014
The Georgian company JSC Dariali Energy has requested a loan of up to USD 80 million from the EBRD for the 108 MW Dariali hydropower (HPP) project. The project involves the construction of a derivation-type HPP on the Tergi river in the municipality of Kazbegi. The project will divert water from the town of Stepatsminda towards the powerhouse close to the border with Russia, leaving eight kilometres of river without a sufficient amount of water.
Environmental and social impacts of the Khudoni hydropower project in Georgia
March 31, 2014
The report summarises the findings from a fact-finding mission to villages in the Svaneti region of northwestern Georgia that will be impacted by the Khudoni hydropower project. During the visit 250 people were interviewed, of which around 160 were women.
