Dariali Energy, one of Georgia’s largest independent power producers, has selected HYDROGRID to implement its hydropower optimization platform at the 108MW Dariali hydropower plant in northern Georgia.
The run-of-river facility, located on the Tergi River in the Qazbegi district, operates in a high-alpine environment where inflow variability and sediment dynamics require precise operational planning.
Through HYDROGRID Insight, Dariali Energy will adopt modules for inflow forecasting, production planning, long-term scheduling, and maintenance optimization. The goal is to maximise plant uptime, improve water use efficiency, and schedule maintenance outside of peak production periods.
“Operating between 1,300 and 1,800m above sea level in a narrow Caucasus valley under harsh natural conditions presents unique challenges for the Dariali Hydropower Plant,” explained Giorgi Kavtaradze, CEO of Dariali Energy. “Accurate inflow forecasting and precisely timed maintenance are essential to keeping the plant at peak performance today – and will be equally critical as we prepare to participate in Georgia’s spot electricity market in the near future. With HYDROGRID’s digital optimization tools, we expect to increase generation uptime, use water resources more efficiently, and further strengthen our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.”
“We’re proud to support Dariali Energy on HYDROGRID’s first project in Georgia. Run-of-river plants in alpine topologies face a unique mix of hydrology and maintenance constraints – exactly where Insight’s combined inflow, production, and maintenance planning brings measurable results the quickest,” said Janice Goodenough, CEO of HYDROGRID.
The Dariali Hydropower Plant includes three 36MW vertical Pelton turbines. The US$125 million project was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and achieved a carbon-neutral construction supported by a reforestation program to offset lifecycle emissions. The project received EMEA Finance’s “Best Water Project in Central & Eastern Europe” award in 2014.
