Newsroom

Rakesh Naik Appointed New CEO of Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC

Rakesh Naik has been appointed as the new CEO of Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL). Prior to coming to AGL, he had a long and successful career with Tata Power, one of the world’s largest energy companies. He initially joined AGL as the COO and assumed his new role as CEO in the autumn of 2020.

On joining AGL, Rakesh has ensured successful and trouble-free commissioning of Shuakhevi HPP. He has set up Operational, Maintenance, Safety, Environment & Social processes in the operational phase of the Power plant. He is also keen on improving social and community relations.

World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on the 5^th of June every year. This day was brought into existence in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly to create general awareness and responsibility on Environmental issues. As this year the theme of World Environment is biodiversity AGL employees planted trees in Shuakhevi municipality in order to join worldwide effort to contribute to the greener and cleaner environment.

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and Chairman of Ajara Government paid a visit to the Shuakhevi HPP

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Natia Turnava and the Chairman of Ajara Government Tornike Rizhvadze paid a visit to the Shuakhevi Hydropower Plant.

“The development of the Georgian energy sector is the only way to strengthen the economic independence of Georgia. Hydropower plants constructed with clean technologies similar to the Shuakhevi HPP, which will be added in the coming years,  are prerequisites of our energy independence. Hence, we welcome projects like this and will always support them” – declared Natia Turnava, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development after visiting the Shuakhevi plant.

AGL response regarding recent media reports raising concerns about safety issues pertaining to Didachara dam

AGL categorically wishes to respond to the recent publishing of a video of the Didachara dam by one of the local media outlets, as the said report sought to raise certain questions about safety concerns amongst the society and is negatively affecting the project’s reputation despite the issue having no basis at all. The leakages being highlighted in the said video has no impact on the safety performance or stability of the dam structure.  It is disappointing that the media agency chose to publish these reports despite having being provided a technical explanation about the issue.

AGL declares with full responsibility that 52 m high Didachara Dam is reliable and stable and has been designed in compliance with Georgian and International standards and firmly rejects any implied suggestions raising safety concerns. 

AGL Supports Ajara Region Against COVID-19

On April 23, AGL in partnership with the local municipalities provided primary healthcare medical supplies and food products to socially disadvantaged households living within the Shuakhevi Hydropower Project impact area. The Company’s support program covers 14 villages in Khulo and Shuakhevi municipalities: Chanchkhalo, Akhaldaba, Makhalakidzeebi, Didachara, Diakonidzeebi, Gurta, Paksadzeebi, Geladzeebi, Vashlovani, Okruashvilebi, Kvatia, Tablana, Tsabliani, and Kinchauri.

AGL has been engaged in the process against COVID-19 immediately in the early days by contributing medical inventory to newly opened Batumi Republic Hospital.

Shuakhevi HPP Started Electricity Production

The most important project of energy security of Georgia Shuakhevi Hydropower Plant (178 MW), has started production of electricity. Skhalta HPP (9 MW), which is also part of the overall scheme of the Shuakhevi project is also expected to start operation by the end of spring.

Shuakhevi HPP represents the largest and most influential energy project in the last 70 years.

Shuakhevi HPP will generate about 540 GWh clean energy while reducing the country’s dependence on imported energy by increasing domestic electricity production.

Together with other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power stations, Shaukehevi HPP is poised to become Georgia’s main energy link to achieve energy independence.

AGL CEO attanded annuall conference of GNCOLD

The annual conference “Advanced Methodologies for the Dam Safety” organized by the Georgian National Committee of Large Dams (Gncold), was held on February 28 at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel.

World-renowned companies working in the field of hydropower facilities, including Swiss Stucky, Italian Tunnel Consulting, Eurocos, and the Spanish High Dam Committee discussed advanced technologies for the safety of dams.

“AGL uses world-class safety standards, the efforts undertaken over the last two years have resulted in enhanced understanding and new techniques over a wide range of subjects. Safety Management through effective safety performance analysis, comprehensive geological testing and assessments, construction techniques and support designs, inspection techniques in challenging conditions and tunnel profiles, monitoring techniques for tunnels, design modifications to improve plant reliability and availability, social impact management-” said Prashant Joshi, CEO of the Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC.

At the conference, Georgian and International experts shared experiences and discussed safety and modern technologies for the dams and tunnels.