Small Hydropower Potential and its Development in Georgia

Abstract

Despite significant achievements in energy development in Georgia, the issue of energy independence is still relevant. The electricity produced in the country cannot meet the growing demands. In addition, Georgia has energy potential, which is not yet fully harnessed, in particular, in terms of hydropower resources. Based on existing studies, only 20–22 % of the hydropower potential is currently harnessed in the country. For a country like Georgia, it is promising to develop hydro resources of small river to generate electricity and partially meet local needs.

Using GIS Maps to Assessing Wind Energy in Asian Countries: Finding the High Potential Countries and Examining Their Current Status and Outlook

“…In 2015, the share of renewable energy in the electricity supply basket in Georgia, around 80%, was the highest in the world, most of which was hydroelectric (150). Studies have shown that Georgia has a good potential for wind power (151), in which a 20.7 MW wind power plant in Georgia was launched in 2016 (152), which annually prevents the emissions of 5 tons of greenhouse gases (153). With an annual average of wind speed up to 15 m/s in some places, its energy average production is 4160 GWh/year (154).…”

Hydraulic Structures as Flow Measuring Devices

“…On the other hand, in Georgia, there are tens of large hydraulic structures with hydropower plants (HPP) in operation. They generate about 90 % of Georgia's electricity production using just about 20 % of the country's hydro energetic potential [9]. This article aims to draw attention to the fact that those structures themselves can serve as an accurate flow-measuring device.…”