“Namakhvani HPP always was and always will be a Georgian project, key and integral part of Georgian energy,” ENKA representative Merab Lominadze briefed reporters on Wednesday.

Turkey-based Enka company which largely implements the project in western Georgia kicks off a campaign to inform the citizens of the project details.

“This project can provide 11.5 % of electricity consumed annually in Georgia, and directly replace imported energy. Georgian electricity is probably the most strategic product we can produce locally so that we are less dependent on others,” Lominadze said.

Earlier in May, Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said that the construction of the Namakhvani HPP in western Georgia would be suspended for the next 12 months. Minister pledged that the major studies would be re-verified.

The decision came after the locals and activists have been protesting against the HPP construction for about 6 months. The next rally is scheduled for May 23 in the Georgian capital Tbilisi.

The Namakhvani HPP Cascade Project encompasses two separate HPPs on the river Rioni: The Lower Namakhvani HPP (333 MW) and the Upper Namakhvani HPP (100 MW).