Georgian PM: Georgia must prioritise hydropower for energy stability, self-sufficiency

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said that the state’s primary interest was ensuring long-term stability in the energy sector, which required giving clear priority to hydropower development.

Speaking on Imedi TV show Open Air - Debates, Kobakhidze outlined his government’s strategy for expanding electricity generation, emphasising the importance of balancing renewable energy sources while giving particular weight to hydropower.

“The greatest stability for the system is ensured by hydropower plants; solar energy is the least stable, while wind energy is in between. Therefore, maintaining balance and giving priority to hydropower resources is important”, Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister explained that the country’s energy plan was based on developing three main directions - hydropower, wind, and solar - but with a clear emphasis on hydropower due to its superior stability.

“This involves developing electricity generation in three directions and expanding the system - hydropower, wind, and solar energy. According to our approach, in roughly equal proportions, with slightly more emphasis on hydropower, about 2,800 MW of installed hydropower capacity should be created over the next 10 years, around 2,000 MW from wind energy, and about 2,000 MW from solar energy”, he stressed.

He further noted that business often prefers quicker and cheaper solar projects, yet the state must focus on long-term system reliability and optimal use of Georgia’s natural potential.

“There are also specific priorities from the business sector, which is often more focused on solar energy generation, as such projects are implemented quickly and are relatively cheaper. However, the state’s interest is stability. Therefore, we need to further encourage the use of water resources, where our country has significant potential. This reflects our overall approach - the optimal use of our resources so that Georgia becomes self-sufficient in terms of electricity”, Kobakhidze concluded.