Accelerating renewable energy deployment in Georgia could greatly enhance the country’s energy security, improve its competitiveness in regional and global markets, and help narrow its national energy trade deficit, according to a new Energy Transition Assessment published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The report emphasizes Georgia’s significant yet underutilized renewable energy resources. Although the country has an estimated hydropower potential of 15 gigawatts (GW), less than 25% has been developed so far. In addition, preliminary assessments have identified about 4 GW of wind energy and 4.5 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity yet to be harnessed. Despite these abundant resources, domestic energy production currently meets less than a quarter of Georgia’s total energy demand, making the country highly dependent on imported fossil fuels.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera stated that transitioning from import dependence to energy abundance is well within Georgia’s reach. He emphasized that the Energy Transition Assessment provides a clear pathway to help the country meet its 2030 climate and energy targets by outlining targeted, cost-effective actions to boost energy security, lower the energy trade deficit, and deliver substantial socio-economic benefits. La Camera reaffirmed IRENA’s commitment to working closely with Georgia to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

The Energy Transition Assessment: Georgia is the result of a close collaboration between IRENA and Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. It outlines a series of short- to medium-term measures aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment and diversifying the country’s energy portfolio beyond hydropower and fossil fuel imports. In the immediate term, the report is intended to guide the development of Georgia’s forthcoming Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), ensuring alignment between energy sector targets, policies, and the recently adopted National Climate and Energy Plan.

Key recommendations include strengthening governance coordination, enhancing grid flexibility, expanding access to financing, and involving municipalities and local communities in the transition. The report also stresses the need to build local value chains, advance technical training, and establish a just transition framework to promote social equity during the energy shift. Additionally, it advocates for targeted incentives to drive the decarbonization of the transport sector and a comprehensive strategy to decarbonize end-use areas such as heating and cooling.