BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 17
Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
European Union (EU) cooperation with Georgia in the field of energy continues along three main dimensions, Delegation of the EU to Georgia told Trend.
According to the source, this assistance includes alignment with key EU energy legislation; development of energy infrastructure and connectivity; and promotion of energy efficiency.
"The EU will assist Georgia in the transposition of new energy sector legislation according to EU standards mainly under the new phase of the EU4Energy program implemented by Energy Community Secretariat and International Energy Agency. In addition, we will start a new EU Twinning project with the Georgian energy regulator, GNERC, to the supported long-term exchange of expertise to improve the functioning of the energy market and services to customers," the EU said.
As the source noted, for the development of energy infrastructure, the EU has extended large grants to Georgia, including for the rehabilitation of the Enguri and Vardnili hydropower plants and strengthening of electricity transmission lines across the country to provide secure and reliable electricity to businesses and households.
"In the area of energy efficiency, as part of a joint initiative of the EU with International Financial Institutions, we are providing massive support to Georgia for scaling up energy efficiency in buildings and green financing for households and SMEs. The EU has mobilized an extensive package of technical assistance to help the Government and other stakeholders with setting up a framework for energy efficiency investments," the EU added.
"As a next step, we are providing grant funding to a program for energy efficiency rehabilitation of 500 public schools ready to launch this year. This program, prepared with KfW and EBRD, will help reduce energy bills, create healthier conditions for students and teachers across the country, and opportunities for construction businesses in the post-crisis recovery," the source said.
According to the EU, on the municipal level, a number of projects with the help of EU grants will introduce sustainable use of biomass and energy efficiency upgrades of kindergartens, schools, and other public buildings.
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