GEO

Vartsikhe Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plants Georgia — 256 MW Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric Renewable Verified

Vartsikhe Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plants Georgia is a 256 MW hydro power plant located in Georgia. View location, capacity, and technical details.

Capacity
256 MW

Installed

Commissioned
1970

Year online

Owner
Georgian State Electrosystem

Operator

Location
42.15, 42.71

Coordinates

Insights

#4
largest in Georgia
#1,224
largest Hydroelectric worldwide
#6,595
largest worldwide
1970
14 yrs older than avg
6
operated by Georgian State Electrosystem
8
plants within 100 km

Technical Details

Fuel Type
Hydroelectric
Capacity
256 MW
Commissioned
1970
Status
Operational
Owner
Georgian State Electrosystem
Country
GEO
Coordinates
42.155, 42.709

Estimated Carbon Footprint

Annual CO₂
21,529 t

tonnes / year

Lifetime CO₂
1,722,286 t

over ~80 yrs

Intensity
24 g

gCO₂ per kWh

Annual emissions equal to

4,680
cars / year
2,870
homes / year
978,572
trees to offset

Renewable source — life-cycle emissions only (materials/construction), no direct combustion. Open calculator

Nearby Stations

About this plant

Vartsikhe Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plants stands as a leading force in Georgia’s energy sector, ranking 4th among 19 power generation facilities in the country. With a capacity of 256 MW, it is the second-largest hydroelectric power plant in Georgia, contributing an impressive 6.68% to the nation’s total installed capacity of 3,831 MW. This considerable output underscores the facility’s pivotal role in supporting Georgia’s predominantly hydro-based energy profile.

The cascade design of Vartsikhe allows for the efficient use of water resources, optimizing energy generation through a series of interconnected plants. This technology harnesses the natural flow of the river, converting kinetic energy into electricity with minimal environmental disruption. The strategic positioning of the power plants along the river not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to flood control and water management in the region.

Vartsikhe is part of a significant energy cluster in Georgia, with several nearby hydroelectric plants including Lajanuri (113 MW), Dzevrula (80 MW), and Gumati I and II (68.8 MW). These facilities collectively illustrate the dominance of hydroelectric power in the country, which is crucial for meeting the energy needs of its population and industries. The combined capacity of these plants ensures a robust supply of electricity, especially during peak demand periods.

Georgia’s energy landscape is marked by its reliance on hydroelectricity, which accounts for a large portion of the total energy mix. As the country continues to develop its energy infrastructure, Vartsikhe Cascade plays a vital role in maintaining energy security and providing a sustainable solution to power generation. The facility’s contribution is essential, especially in the context of global efforts to transition to renewable energy sources.

Operated by a dedicated team committed to maintaining high operational standards, Vartsikhe Cascade has been instrumental since its commissioning. The ongoing management reflects Georgia’s strategy of utilizing its vast water resources efficiently and sustainably.

As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy, the significance of Vartsikhe Cascade will continue to grow. Its established framework not only supports local economies but also positions Georgia as a potential leader in renewable energy within the region. The investment in hydroelectric infrastructure is not merely about power generation; it is about fostering economic development and environmental stewardship, making Vartsikhe a cornerstone of Georgia’s energy future.

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