Georgia, Tbilisi, May 13 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/
Georgia can become an energy center, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alexander Khetaguri said during the economic forum of the OSCE.
Forum operates in Batumi on May 12-14. It is attended by 200 delegates from 40 European countries.
"Georgia has acquired a significant role in the export of electricity in recent years. We achieved a breakthrough in the export of electric power in June 2011 and began to deliver it to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. We also intend to increase exports to the EU and become a regional center for electric power," the minister said.
Khetaguri said currently Georgia has four independent power sources, and 3 different export routes.
Khetaguri also noted that his department is constantly working to ensure the energy security of the country and construction of hydropower plants play an important role in this respect.
"At this stage, 15 hydroelectric power plants are under construction. They will give great power. For the construction of power plants, we have attracted investments in the amount of $4 billion, while diversifying the geography of investors," he stressed.
At the same time, Khetaguri said Georgia is ready to play a "significant role" as a transit country. "In this regard, we are ready to cooperate with many countries," he said.
The Minister also mentioned AGRI which involves the delivery of Azerbaijani gas in liquefied form to Europe as promising project. "This project will expand the number of countries receiving gas from Azerbaijan through the Georgian ports," he stressed.