Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 9, Dariali Energy, a leading independent power producer in Georgia, has partnered with HYDROGRID to implement an advanced optimization platform at its 108 MW Dariali hydropower plant. Located on the Tergi River in the Qazbegi district of northern Georgia, this run-of-river facility operates in a high-alpine environment, where variable inflows and sediment dynamics demand precise operational management.

Dariali hydroelectric power plant in Georgia .

The collaboration introduces HYDROGRID Insight, a suite of digital tools tailored for inflow forecasting, production planning, long-term scheduling, and maintenance optimization. These tools aim to maximize plant uptime, enhance water resource efficiency, and schedule maintenance during off-peak periods to ensure consistent performance.

Giorgi Kavtaradze, CEO of Dariali Energy, stated: “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. 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.”

The HYDROGRID platform is expected to boost generation reliability and optimize water usage, aligning with Dariali Energy’s commitment to sustainable operations. Janice Goodenough, CEO of HYDROGRID, said: “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.”

Situated in a challenging high-alpine setting, the Dariali Hydropower Plant features three 36 MW vertical Pelton turbines. Constructed at a cost of US$125 million with financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the project achieved carbon-neutral construction through a reforestation initiative to offset emissions. In 2014, it was recognized as the “Best Water Project in Central & Eastern Europe” by EMEA Finance.

This partnership marks HYDROGRID’s entry into Georgia’s energy sector, supporting Dariali Energy’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. By leveraging advanced digital tools, the collaboration aims to strengthen the plant’s performance and contribute to Georgia’s sustainable energy goals. The initiative also positions Dariali Energy to adapt to future market dynamics, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency in hydropower generation.

The project underscores the growing role of digital optimization in renewable energy, particularly for facilities in complex environments. With HYDROGRID’s technology, Dariali Energy is set to improve resource management and operational resilience, reinforcing its leadership in Georgia’s hydropower sector.