Georgian Energy Exchange to become fully operational in September

Georgian Energy Exchange will become fully operational in September, aiming to ensure transparent and competitive markets and provide accurate price signals to existing and potential market participants, Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili announced on Wednesday. 

Launched as a platform for electricity trading for supplying the Georgian market, the Exchange also aims to become a regional hub used by coupled market participants for cross-border trading purposes.

Prices based on fair market principles will definitely create a basis for new projects and will bring us even closer to a high level of energy security", Davitashvili said.

The Minister also said “equal development of all sectors” of the energy would ultimately lead to the development of renewable energy generation projects in the country and improve energy security and independence.

Davitashvili also cited the Black Sea submarine transmission cable project as “one of the most important and strategic projects” involving the construction of a new cable connecting the Georgian and Romanian power systems.

• Georgia, EU consider high voltage transmission line along Georgia's seabed to connect Georgia-EU energy systems

The project’s implementation - over a distance of up to 1,200 km, which would make it probably the longest electricity cable - would allow Georgia to be directly connected to the European Union market. This, of course, will create new opportunities for the countries of the South Caucasus and increase the capacity of the Georgian energy system, making it even more attractive to investors", Davitashvili said.

The Italian consulting company CESI is carrying out the feasibility study for the project, which will determine the best ways and opportunities for the practical implementation of the project. The consulting company started the study on May 11 and its completion is scheduled in 18 months.