Articles/interviews
BMG: Digitization and New Technologies Helped Shuakhevi HPP Cascade to Increase Its Generation
Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL) is a leading energy company in Georgia, owner of the 187 MW Shuakhevi HPP cascade. The Shuakhevi HPP cascade incorporates the 178-MW Shuakhevi HPP and the 9-MW Skhalta HPP, with relevant reservoirs, dams and one weir.
The shareholders/owners of AGL are Clean Energy Invest AS (Norway), and Tata Power (India). With an investment of $550 million in the Georgian energy sector, the Shuakhevi HPP is the most substantial investment project in the country to date.
Shuakhevi HPP cascade is the largest energy facility in the history of independent Georgia. The Shuakhevi HPP began commercial operations in 2020, and for the fourth consecutive year, it has been supplying electricity consistently to the Georgian electricity system, which, in turn, provides power to the population of Georgia on a daily basis.
The electricity generation of the Shuakhevi HPP cascade has shown annual increases. In 2023, the Shuakhevi HPP cascade produced a total of 513 kWh of electricity, surpassing the design indicator by approximately 10%.
Shuakhevi HPP cascade contributes approximately 5% to the country's total electricity generation. However, considering this year's electricity generation, this percentage has also seen an increase.
What led to the increase in electricity generation?
Technology has played a pivotal role in achieving AGL's record-breaking electricity generation. The investors and management of the company have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and monitoring systems to continually enhance processes, thereby enabling the company to maximize power generation.
The Shuakhevi Hydo Power Plant has implemented an advanced and comprehensive monitoring system based on real time data acquisition form precise sensors and analysing for hydraulic structures, dams, tunnels, and associated equipment, including radial gates, and intake gates.
The insights gained through comprehensive monitoring contribute to the formulation of robust long-term maintenance strategies. Understanding the health and performance of hydraulic components empowers the plant to plan maintenance activities strategically, and optimizing overall operational efficiency.
Shuakhevi Hydroelectric Power Plant can adapt and refine its maintenance strategies based on real-time insights, fostering a culture of innovation and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
Digitization
The integration of digitization projects at Shuakhevi Hydropower Plant has brought about significant advancements in inflow forecasting, leveraging systems such as Powell inflow forecasting and snow measurement studies. These technological implementations have greatly improved the accuracy of inflow calculations and enabled precise scheduling of power generation to the grid in a highly reliable manner.
Powell Inflow Forecasting System
The adoption of the Powell inflow forecasting system integrated with weather monitoring stations represents a pivotal step in leveraging digital technologies for enhanced operational efficiency. This system utilizes advanced algorithms, historical 40-year hydrology data and statistical data analytics to forecast inflows, providing real-time insights that enable more accurate decision-making.
Snow Measurement Studies
Incorporating snow measurement studies into the digitization initiatives further refines the inflow forecasting process. Accurate measurement of snow levels at 10 identified elevations and conditions allows for a comprehensive understanding of water resources, contributing to precise calculations of inflows into the hydropower plant.
Conclusion
Shuakhevi HPP cascade significantly boosting Georgia's domestic power production, enhancing energy security, and driving the nation toward energy independence.
The company key priority during construction and operation has been the employment of the local population.
AGL has been at the forefront of introducing a high standard of corporate responsibility to Georgia's energy sector. AGL initiated social projects during the construction phase, aiming at enhancing the living conditions of the local population and fostering the region's long-term development. We continue the social projects after advancing to the power generation phase, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to the well-being of our communities.
