Enguri

Enguri refers to a river in the western Caucasus region of Georgia and to the associated hydroelectric dam and power facility that spans it. The Enguri River originates in the Greater Caucasus mountains and flows southwest through areas that include the region of Abkhazia before emptying into the Black Sea near Ochamchire. It is one of the principal rivers in western Georgia, shaping local landscapes and supporting regional ecosystems. The river’s waters are heavily utilized for hydroelectric power generation, with the Enguri Dam forming a major reservoir and powerhouse on the river.

Enguri Dam is an arch dam on the Enguri River, located on the border area between Georgia and Abkhazia. It is notable for its substantial crest height and the large reservoir it creates behind it, placing it among the tallest and most significant arch dams in the world. The attached hydroelectric plant has an installed capacity well over 1,000 megawatts, making it a central component of Georgia’s electricity supply. Construction occurred during the Soviet era, and the dam has remained a key asset in the Georgian energy system since completion. Access to the dam and surrounding areas has been influenced by the political situation in Abkhazia and related security considerations.

The Enguri gorge around the river is renowned for dramatic scenery, with steep cliffs and narrow passages that attract researchers and hikers, though public access can be restricted in some areas due to security or governance factors.

See also: Enguri Dam; Abkhazia; electricity in Georgia; geography of Georgia.