The Shenako Micro Hydropower plant is provding clean, renewable energy to 60 families in the village, as well as to the nearby Georgia-Chechnya border guard stations.
Shenako is a highland village located in the geographical area of Tusheti on the Southern slape of the Greater Caucasus, 115 kilometers from the City of Akhmeta, Kakheti region. It is a community of 60 household, which was not connected to the Georgian electric grid and has not had electricity since the early 1990's when an 85km transmission line was damaged. The contruction of the Shenako Micro Hydro Power Plant commenced with the World Bank. USAID began working with the Shenaqo community through the Rural Energy Program (REP) in 2008 continuing with the New Applied Technology Efficiency and Lighting Initiative/NATELI Project (Both implemented by Winrock International). With the support of the Ministry of Energy, a transmission line (10KV) was constructed from the MHP to the village Shenako (1800m) for which the Ministry allocated GEL 125,000. Another contribution was given by the International Women’s Association with the funding of GEL 5,500 for the purchase of a transformer.
The community-based organization NGO Center for High Mountainous Regional Development of Georgia contributed USD 27,000, which included the expenses for fuel, transportation, food and workers. The biggest contribution was made by the Shenako community itself: despite the heavy climate conditions (with a total of two working months throughout the year), the mountainous landscape and steepness of the MHP location, the residents of Shenako acted as a major labor force, and supplied construction materials and construction engineering.The Shenako MHP installed capacity is 50 kW. The power generation of the plant depends on the level of water: during its testing in July 2011, the MHP generated 30 kW. The plant will supply power to Shenako village year round and to the nearby boarder police station in winter when Shenako’s needs are lower. The goal of the MHP construction is to increase the standard of living in Shenako and support economic development for the village in areas such as tourism for Shenako and the district at large. Shenako’s next goal is to develop a potable water system for their village. Electrification will contribute to achieving that goal.
Shenako is a highland village located in the geographical area of Tusheti on the Southern slape of the Greater Caucasus, 115 kilometers from the City of Akhmeta, Kakheti region. It is a community of 60 household, which was not connected to the Georgian electric grid and has not had electricity since the early 1990's when an 85km transmission line was damaged. The contruction of the Shenako Micro Hydro Power Plant commenced with the World Bank. USAID began working with the Shenaqo community through the Rural Energy Program (REP) in 2008 continuing with the New Applied Technology Efficiency and Lighting Initiative/NATELI Project (Both implemented by Winrock International). With the support of the Ministry of Energy, a transmission line (10KV) was constructed from the MHP to the village Shenako (1800m) for which the Ministry allocated GEL 125,000. Another contribution was given by the International Women’s Association with the funding of GEL 5,500 for the purchase of a transformer.
The community-based organization NGO Center for High Mountainous Regional Development of Georgia contributed USD 27,000, which included the expenses for fuel, transportation, food and workers. The biggest contribution was made by the Shenako community itself: despite the heavy climate conditions (with a total of two working months throughout the year), the mountainous landscape and steepness of the MHP location, the residents of Shenako acted as a major labor force, and supplied construction materials and construction engineering.The Shenako MHP installed capacity is 50 kW. The power generation of the plant depends on the level of water: during its testing in July 2011, the MHP generated 30 kW. The plant will supply power to Shenako village year round and to the nearby boarder police station in winter when Shenako’s needs are lower. The goal of the MHP construction is to increase the standard of living in Shenako and support economic development for the village in areas such as tourism for Shenako and the district at large. Shenako’s next goal is to develop a potable water system for their village. Electrification will contribute to achieving that goal.
