Energy self-sufficiency important for Georgia’s independence - Deputy Economy Minister

Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze on Tuesday said more intensive utilisation of energy, especially hydro resources, additional jobs, taxes, economic growth and infrastructure development would help strengthen Georgia's independence, highlighting energy self-sufficiency as an “important part” of the country's independence.

In his speech at the 13th Local Economic Development Forum’s thematic session, Mikautadze discussed the ongoing reforms in the energy sector of Georgia, as well as the challenges facing the sector and ways to overcome them, the Economy Ministry said.

He stressed the importance of utilising local renewable energy resources in a “technologically developed era” due to the increased power usage, noting energy consumption covered by imported resources in Georgia during the winter season was “a big challenge for the country".

By joining the European Energy Union, we took on obligations, including the increase of local energy resources in the country's total energy basket, implementation of energy-efficient measures, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, etc.”, Mikautadze said, emphasising the energy sector’s development as “a priority” of Georgia’s economic policy.

The Georgian Government with the International Monetary Fund has developed a scheme to encourage the production of energy from renewable sources, Mikautadze said, adding with the development of the energy project support scheme, the country would be able to respond to the challenges facing the sector and “turn from a deficit country into a surplus energy country”.

The Deputy Minister also reviewed ongoing “active work” on energy efficiency and enforcement of laws on the construction of efficient buildings, including developing energy-efficient building standards, which aim for the safety of the environment and urban spaces.