Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Georgia's energy independence means country's independence, Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze told reporters on October 4 after the signing ceremony of a memorandum on cooperation with Energy Academy.

Kaladze said that Georgia has abundant water resources, and this is the benefit of the country.

"It's important to build hydropower plants in order not to depend on neighboring countries," he noted. "The energy independence of Georgia is equal to its independence. It is principally important and I am sure that the government's strategy is correct, and we will be able to explain and give information to the part of the population that is smaller regarding how far important the construction of hydropower plants is for the country."

Kaladze also spoke about the steps that the new government has taken in the energy sector, noting that the construction of the hydroelectric power plant will be continued to provide energy independence for the country.

The minister also touched on the issue of wind power plants, construction of which will start soon.

"It will be a station with a capacity of 20 megawatts in the Gori region, and there is also an opportunity to build a plant with a capacity of 150 megawatts," he said.

Georgia has a sizable hydroelectric power generation capacity, a factor that has become an increasingly important component of its energy supplies and policies.

The Georgian Ministry of Energy estimates that there are around 26,000 rivers within Georgian territory, with about 300 of them being significant in terms of energy production.

The hydropower stations of Georgia produce 80-85 percent of the electricity utilized within the country, while the remaining 15-20 percent is produced by thermal power stations.

However, Georgia's reliance on hydropower is said to leave the country vulnerable to climatic fluctuations, which requires imports to meet seasonal shortages.