AG Energy has outlined environmental mitigation, employment and local-economic measures planned for the 187 MW Gogni Wind Power Project in Georgia’s Imereti region.
In a statement published on August 17, the company said more than USD 200 million is expected to be invested in the project, which is being developed between the municipalities of Terjola and Tkibuli.
AG Energy said all electricity generated by the wind farm is intended for the Georgian market. The company estimates that the plant’s output would be equivalent to the electricity needs of around 240,000 households.
The statement comes amid public discussion over the project’s impact on forest areas and the removal of trees required for construction.
AG Energy says 97% of forest area will remain untouched
According to AG Energy, construction within forested areas will require land preparation for access roads and turbine platforms.
The company said the affected area would represent no more than 3% of the project’s licensed territory, meaning approximately 97% of the forest area would remain untouched.
AG Energy also said vegetation removal would partly involve replacing diseased trees. Under additional requirements established for the project, at least an equivalent number of new healthy trees would be planted in the relevant area.
The developer said it has also undertaken an obligation to pay GEL 5.604 million in compensation related to the removal of trees.
According to the company, these funds are expected to contribute to additional forest restoration and planting activities.
The figures and environmental-impact estimates were presented by AG Energy and have not been independently assessed by renewables.GE.
Around 400 jobs expected during construction
AG Energy said approximately 400 people would be employed during construction of the Gogni wind farm.
The company expects around 90% of those employed to be Georgian citizens, with a significant share coming from municipalities near the project.
Once operational, the wind farm is also expected to contribute more than GEL 5 million annually in property tax to the local budget, according to the developer.
AG Energy said this could provide additional resources for local infrastructure and other municipal projects.
Project intended to support domestic electricity supply
The developer says the full output of the Gogni wind farm will be directed toward Georgia’s domestic electricity needs.
AG Energy particularly highlighted the potential contribution of wind generation during periods when Georgia faces a seasonal electricity deficit.
Wind generation can complement Georgia’s hydro-dominated electricity system because its seasonal production profile does not necessarily coincide with hydropower generation. The actual contribution of the Gogni project to the national balance will ultimately depend on its generation profile, commissioning and operation within the Georgian electricity system.
187 MW project backed by Ming Yang partnership
AG Energy and Chinese wind-turbine manufacturer Ming Yang Smart Energy announced a strategic cooperation agreement earlier this year covering the Gogni project and a wider pipeline of wind developments in the Caucasus.
The cooperation includes wind-turbine and substation equipment, project financing and investment, as well as long-term operation and maintenance services.
The companies have identified Gogni as a 187 MW project and said their broader cooperation could cover approximately 500 MW of onshore wind development across the Caucasus.
The latest AG Energy statement focuses on how the developer plans to manage the environmental and local impacts associated with construction as the project moves through its development process.
Source note: AG Energy statement published by BM.GE; additional project background from earlier company announcements and renewables.GE coverage.