Located in the Transcaucasian region at the junction of Eurasia, two-thirds of Georgia is mountainous, with most of its area elevated more than 1,000 meters above sea level.

The unique terrain endows Georgia with rich hydropower resources, but it still needs to import power in winter when rivers are frozen and thermal power is scarce. Now it is witnessing changes with the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ten kilometers from Garda Bani, a combined power plant built by China Tianchen Engineering Co., Ltd. is under construction. When the power station is completed, the shortage of thermal power in Georgia will be history.

The power station, scheduled to go online in Sept. 2019, has an electric generating capacity of 230 MW per hour, enough to service all of Georgia for two days; a rather stable guarantee of power.

This large scale project requires workers to bind 2,000 tons of steel, pour 1600 cubic meters of concrete, and fill more than 50,000 cubic meters of soil within 24 months. In addition, a tough natural environment also poses serious challenges for workers, including poisonous insects and hot temperatures which can reach 113℉. Despite the difficulties, workers are confident of finishing the project as scheduled.  

The Chinese project brings not only technology but also development and job opportunities to local cities. This is of special significance where unemployment rates are high.

The project is highly strategic for developing the independence of the Georgian energy system and strengthening national security and the continued development of the entire energy sector.

On January 1, 2018, the free trade agreement signed between the two countries came into effect. At present, the cooperation between China and Georgia involves energy development, agriculture, infrastructure, finance and other fields, and "co-industry, joint construction, and sharing" are agreed approaches. Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, China has also become one of Georgia's most important economic and trade partners.

A GE6F.03 gas turbine is being hoisted[Photo/enorth.com.cn]

A gas turbine is installed on the base unit, a big step[Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Unbearable hot weather [Photo/enorth.com.cn]