Energy expert and former “Trans Electric” technical director Davit Mirtskhulava says the construction of Khudoni Hydropower Plant is still realistic, but only if the government holds direct, professional, and transparent communication with the local community in Svaneti. He stresses that Western practices, where affected communities receive tangible economic benefits, could help rebuild trust and ensure long-term local support.
Mirtskhulava argues that the government must learn from past mistakes, including the crisis surrounding the Namakhvani project, where poor communication led to public protests and eventually to international arbitration. He believes dedicated professional teams should engage residents, helping them clearly understand long-term economic guarantees, emphasizing that “there is no free lunch” when it comes to major energy infrastructure.
He notes that a significant part of the Khudoni project, including underground structures valued at around $150 million, is already built. According to him, before inviting a new investor, the state must address social and infrastructural issues such as resettlement, bypass roads, and bridges to reduce project risks and ensure smoother implementation.
If the government prepares properly, Mirtskhulava says, both the investor and the country will be better protected from future legal disputes, and Georgia’s energy sector will gain a long-awaited boost. The key, he emphasizes, is effective communication with the community and a realistic, mutually beneficial plan for moving the project forward.
