Economy Ministry: Electricity Import to Decrease, Export to Increase in 2020
In 2020, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia expects to import 1 billion 253.9 million kWh of electricity, which is 18.8% less than the current year’s forecast.
The above is stated in the 2020 forecast balance sheet recently approved by the ministry.
Exports of electricity, according to the same document, will reach 577.8 million kWh in 2020, which is 137% more than the forecast for the current year.
The Ministry hopes for such a balance because it expects a growth in the power generated by the Hydro Power Plants (HPPs) in Georgia. According to the forecast, the volume of electricity generated by the HPPs in 2020 will increase by about 11.2%.
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava stated that in 2019, six new hydroelectric power plants with a total installed capacity of 58 MW were completed and put into operation, with a total investment of up to $80 million.
“As of next year, it is planned to put into operation 14 new HPPs and one thermal power plant with a total installed capacity of up to 500 MW. Most importantly, historical projects will be launched: the Shuakhevi HPP will be completed and put into operation. Also, construction of the Namakhvani HPP will start and Nenskra HPP will move to the final construction stage too,” the Minister said, noting that in 2020, it is planned to start the construction of a total of 13 new facilities, including eight HPPs. The Namakhvani HPP is the largest project in the country, with a capacity of 460 MW and investments of up to $800 million.
“It is a very complex project and I would like to point out that most importantly, public discussions are taking place in a very active and calm environment. I am glad that we have gradually been able to reverse the trend and make some serious progress,” she said.
Turnava also noted that the Khadori 3 in Pankisi, Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti, is a different case and the construction of the project will not be resumed until there is a higher level of consensus from the local population.
The Minister underlined that with respect to all projects, more attention is being paid to the social requirements of the population, environmental impact assessment, as well as investor responsibility.
“2018-2019 was a year of accumulating this experience. I would say that progress in this sector is the result of energy reforms,” she stated.
To note, Electricity System Commercial Operator (ESCO) data reads that in January-November of this year, total imports of electricity amounted to 1 billion 416 million kWh, which is 10.5% more than the same period last year: 1 billion 281.1 million kWh.
During the last 11 months, the largest volume of electricity, 512 million kWh, came from Russia, exceeding imports by 151% in the same period last year. Georgia also purchased 203.8 million kWh of electricity from Azerbaijan this year.
As of 2019, there are 93 power plants in Georgia with the total installed capacity of 4207.17 MW. Of 93 power plants, 87 are hydro power plants with a total installed capacity of 3260.07 MW, five are thermal power plant (927.40 MW capacity) and one wind power plant with an installed capacity of 20.70 MW.
By Tea Mariamidze
Image source: confrontations.org