Accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in Georgia can significantly boost the country's energy security, strengthen its competitiveness in regional and global markets, and reduce the national energy trade deficit, according to the new Energy Transition Assessment released today (April 16) by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The report highlights Georgia's considerable untapped renewable energy potential. While the country has an estimated 15 gigawatt (GW) of hydropower potential, only less than one-quarter has been developed to date. Furthermore, around 4 GW of wind and 4.5 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) unexploited capacity have preliminarily been identified by the assessment. Despite this potential, domestic energy production currently supplies less than a quarter of Georgia's total energy needs, leaving the country heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels.
"Moving from import dependence to energy abundance is well within reach for Georgia," said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. "This assessment supports the country's pathway toward its 2030 climate and energy commitments by identifying targeted, cost-effective actions that can enhance energy security, reduce the energy trade deficit, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits. IRENA continues to work closely with Georgia and remains committed to supporting the country in putting the recommendations of this report into action."
Energy Transition Assessment: Georgia is the result of close collaboration between IRENA and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. It presents a set of short- to medium-term actions to fast-track renewable energy deployment and diversify the national energy mix beyond hydropower and fossil fuel imports. In the near term, the report seeks to inform the development of Georgia's upcoming Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) by aligning its energy sector targets, policies, and measures with the recently approved National Climate and Energy Plan.
The report calls for coordinated governance, improved grid flexibility, enhanced access to finance, and the inclusion of municipalities and communities in the transition process. It also highlights the importance of developing local value chains, improving technical skills, and establishing a just transition framework to ensure social equity throughout the energy shift. In addition, the report calls for targeted incentives to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector and a comprehensive strategy to decarbonise end-use sectors, particularly heating and cooling.
To read Energy Transition Assessment: Georgia, click here.
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