Georgia has accomplished a remarkable feat by deriving more than 80% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, primarily hydropower which constitutes nearly 80% of the total electricity mix. This substantial reliance on green energy distinguishes Georgia as a leader in clean electricity generation. However, with almost a fifth of its electricity still coming from fossil fuels, primarily gas, there is room for improvement. As Georgia continues to modernize and aims to electrify other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, the demand for electricity will increase. Expanding clean electricity generation is crucial to ensure sustainable development and energy security without contributing to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Georgia?
Despite these achievements in clean electricity, Georgia's total electricity consumption per person has seen a modest decline from a prior peak. The per capita consumption decreased from a high of 3916 kWh/person in 2022 to 3760 kWh/person in 2024. However, the positive trend in low-carbon electricity generation is noteworthy, as it climbed to 3011 kWh/person, compared to its previous apex of 2881 kWh/person in 2023. This increase, largely attributable to enhancements in hydropower, portrays an optimistic scenario where low-carbon electricity forms a larger share of the overall consumption, despite the slight dip in total electricity use.
Suggestions
Looking forward, Georgia can amplify its low-carbon electricity generation through strategic investments in nuclear and solar energy. Establishing or expanding nuclear plants can provide a constant and large-scale energy supply, complementing intermittent sources like hydropower and solar. By also harnessing solar energy, Georgia can diversify its clean energy mix further, ensuring energy resilience even as demand increases. This approach not only strengthens Georgia's energy autonomy but also positions it as a pioneer in global green energy transitions, setting a robust foundation for future growth and sustainability.
History
Historically, Georgia's journey with low-carbon electricity, primarily centered on hydropower, has been punctuated with fluctuations. In the early 1990s, there were substantial declines, specifically in 1992 and 1995, when hydroelectric generation dropped by almost 1 and 1.6 TWh, respectively. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s saw incremental recoveries, highlighted by notable increases in hydro generation like a 1.2 TWh surge in 2002 and another in 2007. Over the past decade, from 2010 to 2024, efforts to stabilize and enhance hydropower have been apparent through recurring increases, albeit with intermittent setbacks, such as in 2011 and 2019. The most recent update in 2024 demonstrates ongoing growth in hydroelectric capability by 0.5 TWh, signaling continued progress towards solidifying Georgia's low-carbon electricity foundation.
