Strategic Environmental Assessment of Aragvi River Basin
The development of environmentally sustainable sources of electricity is increasingly becoming a priority for governments and a business opportunity for developers. International Financial Institutions such as the EBRD are actively supporting the development of small to medium-sized hydro-electric facilities. Because of the need to balance the benefits of such installations and the need to protect the environment from unacceptable changes to landscape, water flow pattern, biodiversity etc. the EBRD and the Government of Georgia aim to complement hydro-electric development plans in the Aragvi basin by a strategic assessment of the resultant environmental impact (SEA), with the objective to identify opportunities for new hydro plants which are technically feasible, economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Specific services / tasks of the project consortium Poyry Energy - hydrophil are
- the preparation of an SEA report to contribute to the overall decision making process regarding development of hydro-electric facilities within the Aragvi river basin;
- the provision of a forum for stakeholders (i.e. public information and consultation), particularly local residents affected by any hydro-electric development, to participate in the development process associated;
- the assistance to the development of an annotated list of areas/locations most suitable for development of hydro-electric facilities;
- the preparation of a recommendation for a focused environmental due diligence process which takes account of the findings and recommendations of the SEA;
- the identification and quantification of technical/financial obstacles to be encountered or benefits arising when developing the hydro-power plants.
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