Georgian PM presents “ambitious” energy plans for natural gas supply to 400 more settlements by 2025, excess electricity generation by 2030

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday shared "ambitious" goals for the energy sector with industry professionals, highlighting the Government was aiming to provide natural gas supply to an additional 400 settlements by 2025 and ensure “full self-sufficiency” in electricity generation by 2030.

He said the additional gas supply would include 57,000 subscribers through the budget-funded programme that has connected over 377,000 subscribers to the supply since 2013. The Government head called the result a “very important achievement”.

We have an ambitious goal of becoming a fully self-sufficient country in terms of electricity by 2030, which requires electricity production to exceed consumption. I am confident that together with you, we will successfully achieve this ambitious goal”, he also said at the event marking Energy Workers’ Day.

Kobakhidze emphasised the significance of the sector in the progress and development of the country's economy, highlighting  achievements including the “significant increase” in the number of generation facilities since 2012 and improvements in electricity and natural gas transmission infrastructure.

Kobakhidze also mentioned “expanded” access to electricity and natural gas for the population, “strengthened” cross-border connections, and “increased opportunities” for the export, import, and transit of electricity, natural gas, or oil.

He contrasted the domestic production of 9,698 million kWh of electricity in 2012 with the projected target of 14,911 million kWh by the end of 2024, also noting construction of 66 power plants with a total installed capacity of about 1255 MW since 2012.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the “significant” contribution of the energy sector to the country’s accession to the European Union.

In 2016, Georgia became a member of the Energy Community, and since then, numerous reforms have been implemented, bringing Georgian legislation in this field closer to that of the EU”, he said.

• Georgia joins international Energy Community family

The Prime Minister thanked Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and the “entire team” of the body for their “special contribution” to the development of the sector.

The progress that the energy sector has made in these years is due to the hard work of each specialist and energy worker. I want to thank each professional for their special contribution to ensuring the energy security and sustainability of our country”, he said.

Kobakhidze also congratulated energy workers and specialists by recognising their “special role” in the “full functioning of all branches of the Georgian economy”.

He told sector professionals their work and experience were “of great importance in creating a better future for Georgia” and for achieving “progress, economic development, ambitious future plans and tasks”.