The Georgian government has suspended the review of 1.7 gigawatts’ worth of proposed energy projects following a decree issued by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on October 13. The suspended initiatives, comprising hydro, solar and wind power developments, had been submitted to the Ministry of Economy but lacked signed memorandums with investors.
Speaking to BMG, David Narmania, Chairman of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC), said that the pause allows the government to better evaluate the feasibility of each proposal. Narmania stated that the main criterion is project viability, which he defined through three main factors: integration with the national power grid, the existence of a fully prepared project plan and credible financial guarantees from investors.
“These criteria make it possible to identify projects that can actually be implemented,” Narmania explained, mentioning that investor capacity is essential to prevent delays or abandoned developments.
He further pointed out that the number of submitted projects frequently exceeds the country’s actual energy capacity. He said that only those initiatives that demonstrate real technical and financial readiness will advance over time.
