Georgia has impressively positioned itself as a leader in sustainable electricity generation, boasting more than 80% of its electricity supply from low-carbon sources. A substantial part of this achievement comes from hydropower, which contributes almost 79% to the electricity mix. While the reliance on hydropower has been commendable, it's equally important to continue transitioning to an energy system that further reduces fossil fuel use. Presently, nearly 20% of Georgia's electricity still comes from gas, which underscores the need for more robust investments in clean technologies. Future challenges include the electrification of transportation, heating, and industrial sectors, demanding even more from the electricity grid.
Is Electricity Growing in Georgia?
Currently, the trajectory of electricity consumption in Georgia shows a slight decline. In 2024, the per capita electricity use stood at 3750 kWh, a decrease from the previous record of 3903 kWh per person in 2022. Despite this overall dip in consumption, there is a silver lining: low-carbon electricity generation has continued to rise. The current figures show an increase to 3002 kWh per person, up from the previous low-carbon record in 2023. This encouraging growth by 126 kWh per person highlights Georgia's steadfast commitment to green energy sources, even as total electricity consumption has slightly decreased.
Suggestions
To advance low-carbon electricity generation, Georgia can consider amplifying its investments in solar and nuclear power. As these technologies become more efficient and cost-competitive, they present a viable path for building a resilient, clean power infrastructure. Expanding nuclear energy can provide a stable base-load power supply, while solar installations can offer flexibility and scalability. Both these clean technology avenues will be crucial not just in replacing gas but also in meeting the increased demand from electrified transportation and industrial sectors, supporting Georgia's transition towards a sustainable energy future.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Georgia, the fluctuations in hydropower generation paint a dynamic picture. In the 1990s, there were notable declines, with significant drops in 1992 and 1995. However, the early 2000s marked a period of recovery, with occasional growth spurts, particularly in 2002 and 2007. From 2010 onwards, Georgia experienced a mixed pattern, as evident with increases in 2010 and 2021, while also facing downturns in years like 2011 and 2019. The consistent variances in hydropower from 2010 to 2024 demonstrate a fluctuating yet ultimately positive long-term growth trajectory in clean electricity generation for Georgia.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.