The Transformation of Enguri

The arrangements for a multimillion-dollar project involving the transformation of the largest hydroelectric power station in the South Caucasus - Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station into a tourist destination have been finalized, stated the Energy Development Fund of Georgia on Facebook.

Enguri HPP, located near the village of Jvari, is a unique technical and engineering complex. It is planned to equip a museum and information space of observation platforms, an open concert stage and a cable car.

"It is planned to stage world-class shows in the Plaza of Enguri, and throughout the coming year there will be educational, entertainment and cultural events that will significantly increase the tourist potential of the country," reads the statement.

In 2015, the Enguri hydroelectric dam was awarded the status of a cultural heritage monument with the aim of developing the industrial heritage of Georgia. The total height of this dam is 271.5 meters, and the length is 728 meters. About 2 million GEL (more than 760 thousand dollars) was allocated for the design of the tourist zone in 2017. According to preliminary calculations, the tourist zone of Enguri hydroelectric power station will serve about 400 thousand tourists per year.

The Enguri dam is one of the five arched dams in the world. At the moment, the installed capacity of the company is 1,300 MW, which covers half of Georgia's electricity needs.

By Shawn Wayne