Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

The construction of a new combined cycle thermal power station with a capacity of 230 MW was launched in Georgia.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Gardabani (Kvemo Kartli region) on January 17, the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation reported.

The investors, representatives of the Partnership Fund and its subsidiary, the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze, government members, MPs, guests from Turkey and representatives of the diplomatic corps and international financial institutions attended the event.

The new station, which will come into operation from late 2015, will be equipped with the latest technologies, including the newest turbines of General Electric.It will provide the local market with additional electricity. In case of any problems in the power system, it will ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Contrary to the other thermal power plants running on natural gas, the efficiency of the new station will be two times higher, while gas consumption will be more economical.

The corporation reported that a project of this scale will be implemented for the first time in the history of independent Georgia.

The Gardabani station will be the most reliable reserve in the power system, which will further enhance the energy security of Georgia.

The investment cost of the project is $220 million. It will be financed by the Partnership Fund and the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation. Turkish Calik Enerji will build the station.

The Partnership Fund was established under the Georgian previous government in 2011. Its state-owned assets exceed five billion lari. The fund owns the shares of the Georgian Railway, the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, the Georgian State Electric System, the Electric System Commercial Operator and some shares of Telasi.