ESIA for an HVDC back-to-back link between Georgia and Armenia

The project aim is to link the Armenian and Georgian power grids via a 500/400/220 kV HVDC back-to-back converter station. Fichtner’s task was to conduct a comprehensive environmental and social impact study as well as to provide engineering, design and project management services throughout all project phases. In the first project phase, Fichtner’s environmental experts prepared a detailed environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), including an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) plus, in case of need, a resettlement action plan (RAP), in line with Armenian and European laws, regulations, guidelines and directives (EU EIA Directive; 2011/92/EU) as well as with the Equator Principles and international standards acceptable to the German KfW Development Bank.