Electricity in Georgia in 2024
Georgia has made significant progress in harnessing low-carbon electricity, with more than 80% of its electricity now sourced from clean energy, predominantly hydropower. This reliance on hydropower, accounting for almost 80%, demonstrates Georgia's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. Meanwhile, fossil fuels represent just under a fifth of Georgia's electricity generation, sourced entirely from natural gas. While this marks notable advancement, the country's future challenge is to extend electrification to other sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry, requiring a substantial increase in overall electricity production.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Georgia can explore investing in diverse clean energy sources. Expanding the portfolio to include nuclear, wind, and solar energy can provide more stable and reliable electricity beyond hydropower, especially during periods of low water availability. Nuclear power, in particular, offers high energy density and reliability, complementing the variable nature of wind and solar. Additionally, Georgia can consider regional partnerships and collaborations to share best practices and technological advancements in low-carbon technologies, ensuring a steady and continuous transition away from fossil fuels and furthering the benefits of a clean energy infrastructure.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity in Georgia has had its fluctuations over the years. In the 1990s, there were some challenges, with notable declines in hydroelectric output, particularly in 1992 and 1995, which saw significant reductions. However, the early 2000s marked a mixed period with minor growth and decreases in hydro capacity until 2006, after which 2007 and 2010 witnessed substantial increases. More recently, in the 2020s, Georgia has seen a revival in hydroelectric production, notably in 2021, further supporting its low-carbon agenda. Throughout this progression, the focus on enhancing hydroelectric capability has been integral to shaping Georgia's green energy profile, setting a robust foundation for future expansions into newer low-carbon technologies.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.