In Georgia, for the year 2023, the overwhelming majority of electricity is generated using low-carbon sources. Specifically, over 70% of the electricity comes from hydropower, accounting for almost all of the low-carbon energy produced. Fossil fuels, primarily consisting of gas, makes up almost a quarter of the total electricity production. This shows a significant emphasis on clean, sustainable energy generation methods, with the predominant dependence being on hydropower.
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Georgia could consider diversifying its clean energy portfolio. Observing successful countries, nuclear energy stands out prominently. For instance, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Switzerland all generate a significant portion of their electricity, more than half in some cases, using nuclear power. As Georgia’s geography and climate might not be very conducive to wind and solar energy, as is the case with countries like Denmark and Ireland, nuclear could be an effective way forward. It not only offers increased capacity, but also acts as a reliable continuous power source not reliant on weather conditions, comprehensively harnessing Georgia's low-carbon energy potential.
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Georgia, changes can be seen primarily through the lens of its hydropower capacity, flipping between increases and decreases in electricity generation. In the early 2000s, modest but consistent increases were recorded, though there were occasional dips as observed for instance in 2000 and 2004. In the second decade of the 21st century, despite a notable decrease in hydroelectric generation in 2011 and smaller declines later on, annual growth remained generally positive. This ability to bounce back demonstrates Georgia’s robust low-carbon electricity generation ecosystem underpinned by its hydropower facilities, a safeguard and platform for a potential nuclear-generated future.