500 kV “Imereti” power transmission line is an internal system power transmission line and it participates in ensuring the country’s electricity supply. It was put into operation in 1978 and connects Engur HPP and Zestafoni-500.The length of the power transmission line is 128 km and includes 388 masts.

The output of the Engur HPP is 3.5 billion kWh (installed capacity 1300 MW), of which 2/3 of the generated electricity is transmitted through the 500 kV Imereti power station, to which is added the amount of electricity that enters Georgia from Russia, 500 kV Kavkasion. by means of

It is also possible to transfer electricity from Engurhesi to “Zestafoni-500” via 220 kV power transmission lines, but they cannot carry the amount of electricity (power) that is expected in the event of an emergency shutdown of the 500 kV power plant “Imereti” in a loaded state (800 MW and more). case.

“Zestafoni-500” is one of the key substations of the energy system of Georgia, in which the main part of the electricity generated from Russia and Engur HPP is delivered and transferred to the eastern part of Georgia with 500 kV power stations “Kavkasion” and “Imereti”.

The technical condition of the said “Imereti” is such that, despite the large-scale repair and rehabilitation works, there are weak areas, such as wires, which are almost exhausted due to the terms and conditions of operation. Also, the poor quality of the repair and operation works performed at different times led to the fact that in 2014 And in 2015, that “Imereti” was shut down due to falling out of the repair clamps.

The correction of the mentioned problems requires a massive replacement of wires and connections, which is very time-consuming and requires the Egkh to be put into repair for a long time, especially before the construction of the alternative line of the Egkh “Imereti”.

Certain sections of Egkh “Imereti” pass through difficult geographical and environmental conditions, which has repeatedly become a threat to the stability of the transmission line supports.

As you know, the so-called “Imereti” passes through Western Georgia, near the Black Sea, and the process of oxidation of the metal structure and places where the insulators are joined to the metal, corrosion, which is also a threat to the stability of the power transmission line, is going on intensively.

The illegal activity of private or legal entities under the line and in its protection zone is also an obstacle to the normal operation of power transmission lines.