Special Statement from JSC Nenskra Hydro

JSC Nenskra Hydro, the company that is implementing the Nenskra hydropower plant project, has issued a special statement in relation to the TV feature broadcasted by the Rustavi 2 broadcasting company: 

We would like to clarify that the aforesaid story contained several inaccuracies, which can mislead public opinion regarding to the current status of Nenskra HPP project and activities of the project company. 

In particular, the broadcasted story claimed that the Nenskra HPP project allegedly anticipates the deforestation of more than 700 hectors of forest. We want to inform the public that actual area of deforestation does not exceed 200 hectors. Furthermore, the company has elaborated a number of mitigating measures, including a special reforestation plan. 

The story also mentioned that the agreement between the Government of Georgia and JSC Nenskra Hydro is allegedly classified, which is also not true. The main provisions of the agreement are available for the general public, and are presented on the website of the Ministry of Energy. 

Also, the occurrence of an avalanche was mentioned at the site of project implementation, adjacent to the village of Chuberi (Mestia municipality), which allegedly occurred several days prior to the broadcasting of this TV feature and which led to 3 persons working in the project be trapped at the site. This information is not true too, and as such is confirmed by the representatives of local self-governing body. 

We want also clarify the ongoing status of Nenskra HPP project. In 2017, the supplementary studies of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) were completed, the reports based on which were disclosed during a number of public hearings and consultations. Based on the recommendations obtained from the stakeholders during the disclosure period, the package of aforesaid documents was additionally revised. The updated package of documents, as well as the Public Consultations Report, are available on the webpage of the project company at www.nenskra.ge. At this moment, the land acquisition from the local population in the Nenskra Valley, where the main part of Nenskra HPP’s infrastructure will be built, is almost completed. Preparatory works are on-going, as well as works within the framework of the Community Investment Program of the project, the summary budget of which is 4 million US dollars. 

JSC Nenskra Hydro is a project-based company established 2015 as a result of cooperation between Korea Water Resources Corporation K-water and JSC Partnership Fund. The company will construct the Nenskra Hydropower Plant in the Nenskra and Nakra river Valleys in Mestia Municipality of the Svaneti region. The 280 MW Nenskra Hydropower Plant will generate approximately 1’200.00 GWh of electricity annually, which will be fully consumed by the Georgian market. www.nenskrahydro.ge