MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, held a meeting with representatives of the scientific-academic circles of the energy sector, which was attended by academicians, professors from the Technical University of Georgia, researchers, and sector experts.

The Minister spoke about the 10-year energy development strategy, which covers practically all segments of the sector, and noted that the Ministry attaches particular importance to cooperation with representatives of the academic field in the process of implementing the strategy.

Mariam Kvrivishvili focused on the large-scale reforms underway in the sector aimed at ensuring Georgia’s energy independence and stated that, for this purpose, the country’s total installed capacity should increase to 11500 MW by 2036.

According to the Minister, the strategy also includes the development of energy infrastructure, including the construction and modernization of substations and transmission lines. Kvrivishvili stated that a vision and action plan for the development of the electricity system has already been developed, which also envisages the implementation of additional investments.

Mariam Kvrivishvili noted that an important part of the energy strategy is the development of large-scale hydropower projects, including the HPPs of Khudoni, Namakhvani and Nenskra, which will substantially change the structure of the sector and increase local generation capacities. Particular attention was paid to the gasification process, the expansion of the energy network and the strengthening of infrastructure. The meeting emphasized the annually growing dynamics of electricity consumption, which requires further expansion of generation and transmission capacities.

The meeting was held in a Q&A format. Representatives of the scientific community noted that communication in such a format is welcome, as taking into account the opinions of scientists working in the field is important for the effective implementation of planned reforms. It was noted at the meeting that this type of communication will become systematic. The Minister reaffirmed her readiness to continue cooperation with the scientific community and to consider their visions in the policy-making process.

Inga Pkhaladze, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, as well as the heads of the State Electrosystem, Gas Transportation Company, State Oil and Gas Agency, and the energy departments of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, attended the meeting.