The Udabno Solar Power Plant in eastern Georgia has entered the final phase of construction.
The ground-mounted project is located near the village of Udabno in Sagarejo Municipality. It will have an AC capacity of 5 MW and a solar module capacity of 6.4 MWp.
Next Energy, one of the project’s co-developers, says commercial operation is targeted for September 2026.
Construction began in May. If the current schedule is maintained, the plant will move from the start of construction to operation in around four months.
First operating asset for Next Energy
Udabno will become the first operating renewable-energy asset in Next Energy’s portfolio.
The project is being co-developed by Next Energy, OHM Energy LTD of Armenia and the Georgian Energy Development Fund.
OHM Energy LLC, the Georgian subsidiary of OHM Energy LTD, is serving as EPC contractor. Engia Green LLC is responsible for EPC management, while TBC Bank is providing financing.
Next Energy says another five wind and solar projects are currently behind Udabno in its development pipeline.
The company’s wider portfolio includes solar and wind projects at different stages of development across Georgia.
Around 10 GWh of annual generation planned
The Georgian Energy Development Fund said earlier this year that the Udabno project involves an investment of approximately USD 2.7 million.
GEDF expects the plant to generate around 10 million kWh, or 10 GWh, of electricity annually.
The Fund confirmed in April that the project had received the necessary construction permits and had moved into the construction phase.
The current project configuration includes 5 MW of AC capacity and 6.4 MWp of installed DC solar capacity. The difference reflects the higher total rated capacity of the solar modules compared with the plant’s AC output capacity.
Another utility-scale solar project approaches operation
Solar still represents only a small part of Georgia’s electricity generation mix. However, several larger projects are now moving from development toward construction and operation.
Udabno is relatively small compared with some of the utility-scale solar projects currently planned in Georgia. Its significance lies partly in reaching the construction stage and approaching commercial operation.
The project also brings together a Georgian developer, an Armenian renewable-energy company, GEDF and local financing.
With construction now in its final phase, the next milestone will be completion of grid connection, testing and the start of commercial operation.
Source note: Next Energy project update and website; Georgian Energy Development Fund project information.