World’s Second Longest HPP Tunnel Built in Georgia

Shuakhevi Tunnel is the second longest tunnel built for Hydropower in the world.

The world's longest tunnel is located in Iceland at the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant and measures 39.7 km long, while Georgia’s Shuakhevi is 37.4 km.

To date the longest tunnel built for hydropower plant in Georgia itself was that of the Engurhesi which stands at just 15.3 km in length.

The building process of the Shuakhevi tunnel involved both drilling and blasting methods with the help of a vibration meter to monitor the strength of vibration at regular intervals. Within the frames of the Shuakhevi project, three main tunnels were built: the headrace tunnel from Chirukhistskali to Skhalta (electric power supply of Skhalta HPP), the transfer tunnel from Skhalta to Didachara, and the main headrace tunnel (electric power supply of Shuakhevi HPP).

The tunnel construction is complete and the construction of dams and a power unit will be finalized by the end of the year. HPP will start functioning in spring 2017.

After completion of the Shuakhevi project, Georgia will have a 187 MW worth capacity clean energy producing plant which will generate enough electricity for the entire population of Georgia throughout winter and summer. When the capacity for generating electricity is greatest, Georgia will export its energy to Turkey.

The Shuakhevi HPP project is the first hydropower project in Georgia to be certified by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce carbon emissions. "Shuakhevihesi" is to produce 450 million kilowatt / hour electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200,000 tons per year.

The project is carried out by Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC. A total of 730 people are to be employed in the project. After Shuahkevi’s entry into operation, the plant will be operated jointly by both Georgian and foreign professionals.

Natia Liparteliani