Georgia, Tbilisi, March 7 /Trend N.Kirtzkhalia/
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environment of Georgia summed up the eight-year initiative undertaken in the field of renewable energy. Global Environmental Facility (GEF) invested $4.3 million to the implementation of the program.
Among the immediate results of the program - The construction and rehabilitation of small hydropower stations in the three regions of Georgia and technical assistance to five small hydropower plants, the establishment of renewable energy fund, the opening of a special credit line for pilot renewable energy projects and the implementation of the initiatives of piloted supply of geothermal water circulation to Tbilisi, which is used by more than five thousand customers.
"A stable and far-sighted energy policy is a requirement of the modern world. Use of renewable energy such as solar and hydro power, geothermal energy sources, wind energy and biogas, is a precondition that the production does not threaten not only the environment but also for future generations. And in the case of Georgia, it is also a guarantee that the economy will keep long-term sustainability, and will comply with the new energy reality," the Minister of Environment Goga Khachidze said at the opening of the seminar.
As part of the program UNDP assessed the prospects of renewable energy in Georgia and helped the government to form a development strategy to overcome the legislative, administrative and technical barriers. Private banks and investors were given the opportunity to get a loan for the construction of small hydropower plants of the five millionth of renewable energy fund controlled by the German Development Bankwith the direct assistance of the UNDP in 2010-2011.
UNDP worked closely with the Ministry of Environment of Georgia, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.
In addition, the project included the Tbilisi Mayor's Office, local authorities of Racha, Kakheti and Samtskhe-Javakheti, banks and private companies.
"UNDP contributes to developing an integrated approach to energy policy, taking into account the development priorities. Georgia has an impressive ability to use renewable energy. Use of renewable energy sources in the mountainous regions can improve quality of life, to promote local production and business development," UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Sophie Kemkhadze said.
Kemkhadze noted that UNDP will help to develop new intelligent energy policy in Georgia in order to create a more sustainable, green and safe environment.