The Ortachala HPP hydroelectric power station is located in the center of Tbilisi, on the Kura River, and is an important part of the Kura cascade of hydroelectric power stations. It is a hydroelectric power structure built in 1951, with the first unit coming into operation in 1952. The Ortachal hydroelectric power station is distinguished by its unique design of a bull-type hydroelectric power station, which makes it the only facility of this type in the post-Soviet space. The station includes a concrete dam with three water intakes and four spillway spans. Each water intake bull includes a hydraulic unit with appropriate equipment.
Ortachala HPP plays a significant role not only in generating electricity, but also in maintaining the water level of the Kura River within the city of Tbilisi. Its capacity is 8 MW, and its average annual output is about 90 million kWh. The station has three hydraulic units with vertical rotary blade turbines, which operate at a head of up to 12 m and a maximum flow rate of 75 m³/sec for each turbine. These turbines drive hydrogenerators with a capacity of 8 MW each. The hydroelectric dam also serves as a bridge crossing known as the Bridge of 300 Aragvinians.
Since 2009, the Ortachal HPP has been owned by the Czech company Energo-Pro, which acquired it for $25 million, planning to invest $10 million in modernizing equipment that needs updating. A visit to the Ortachal hydroelectric power station may be of interest to specialists in the field of hydropower and engineering structures, as well as for those interested in the history and development of energy infrastructure in Georgia. This place can also be useful for engineering students who want to see the work of a unique energy facility.
