Energy Week Georgia 2020 Ignites Renewable Energy Advancement
Energy Week Georgia 2020 emerged as a groundbreaking event, leaving a lasting impact on Georgia’s renewable energy sector and propelling its development to new heights. Organized by Invest In Network, a UK-based consultancy specializing in power industry consultancy for emerging markets, the event garnered substantial support from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. Its overarching goal was to foster the deployment of renewable energy solutions within the country and attract foreign direct investment.
A Comprehensive Event:
Energy Week Georgia 2020 encompassed a two-day Congress and Technical visits. The Congress agenda centered around pivotal questions concerning Georgia’s pursuit of energy independence. A group of international energy companies and investors had the opportunity to embark on Technical visits to the Qartli Wind Farm and Zhinvali HPP on January 30th.
The Power of Cooperation:
The Congress attracted approximately 300 distinguished guests representing both the state and private sectors of Georgia, along with international financial institutions and foreign private investors. EPC, engineering, and consulting firms from over 20 countries engaged in a constructive dialogue aimed at unlocking the true potential of international cooperation. Multinational energy companies such as Total Eren (France), Acciona Energia (Spain), NBT AS (Norway), Çalık Enerji (Turkey), Masdar (UAE), Scatec Solar (Norway), Grupo Cobra (Spain), GS E&C (Korea), AFRY (Switzerland), Fichtner (Germany), Tractebel Engie (Belgium), and many others actively participated in the event.
Day 1 Highlights:
On January 28th, the Plenary Session of Government Incentives set the tone for engaging discussions. George Kekelidze, Executive Director of the European Association for Renewable Energy EUROSOLAR Georgian Section, expertly moderated the session. Key figures like David Tvalabeishvili, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and Davit Narmania, Chairman of GNERC, shared insights on energy sector reforms and the evolving role of GNERC in regulating energy and water supply sectors.
Day 2 Highlights:
During Day 2 of Energy Week Georgia 2020, the focus shifted to “Financing Energy Projects.” Guided by George Kekelidze, Executive Director of the European Association for Renewable Energy EUROSOLAR Georgian Section, the session featured notable industry experts who shed light on the subject. Mikheil Khidureli, CEO of Enterprise Georgia, emphasized Georgia’s status as a promising market for investments. Ton Nijensteen, Senior Investment Officer at Renewable Energy Dept., Asia and Eastern Europe Team, FMO, highlighted the significance of insurance in financing renewables. Matti Piiparinen, Senior Officer at Green for Growth Fund in Georgia, discussed financing avenues for renewable energy projects. David Urbaneja-Furelos, Investment Specialist at Infrastructure Finance Division, Private Sector Operations, ADB, emphasized development finance for renewable energy. Jatin Seejore, Senior Loan Officer at European Investment Bank, showcased the bank’s involvement in supporting sustainable projects. Nikolay Ilyin, Country Coordinator in Azerbaijan & Georgia, PFAN, outlined how the organization assists developers in their quest for financing.
Empowering Georgia’s Renewable Energy Vision:
Energy Week Georgia 2020 proved to be a pivotal event, igniting enthusiasm and collaboration within the renewable energy sector of Georgia. The informative sessions, valuable insights, and partnerships forged during this week will undoubtedly accelerate the country’s transition towards a more sustainable and greener energy future.
