Georgian Economy Minister highlights country’s key role in Southern Gas Corridor at Baku ministerial meeting

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the minister of economy and sustainable development of Georgia, on Tuesday said Georgia proved it was an active supporter and an indispensable participant of the Southern Gas Corridor.

In her speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor held in Baku, Kvrivishvili highlighted the importance of cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan within this format for a secure and sustainable energy future.

“The Southern Gas Corridor is a clear example of what we can achieve through joint efforts. This corridor has significantly strengthened energy security and diversification, and Georgia is proud to participate in this process as a reliable transit country. Georgia has proven that it is an active supporter and indispensable participant in the Southern Gas Corridor, and remains committed to strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation among all involved parties”, Kvrivishvili said.

She emphasised that Georgia was located at the crossroads of East and West, at the epicenter of the intertwined interests of consumer and supplier countries.

According to the minister, this project once again highlights Georgia’s role as a reliable partner.

Kvrivishvili also placed special emphasis on the country’s role in the process of energy diversification.

“For our country, it is extremely important to serve as a ‘bridge’ not only economically, politically, socially, and culturally, but also in the energy sector. The natural gas transported through our territory is of decisive importance for diversifying international, particularly European Union, energy markets and improving supply security. Georgia has already demonstrated unwavering support for regional transit initiatives. Considering the importance of energy diversification and stability, it is appropriate to assess the significance of international energy projects and welcome any proposal for cooperation that will help create a healthy, sustainable environment in the energy sector and meet the needs of citizens both within the region and beyond”, she noted.

Kvrivishvili further added that energy security remains a top priority for Georgia.

“We have adopted a comprehensive long-term strategy for the development of the energy sector, backed by a ten-year action plan. Our goal is clear: by 2036 Georgia’s electricity sector will become fully self-sufficient”, Kvrivishvili continued.

The minister noted that as a result of the Georgian government’s efforts, installed generation capacity will increase 2.5 times, reaching approximately 11,500 megawatts. At the same time, electricity export and transit potential will grow significantly, while imports will be reduced to zero.

Kvrivishvili explained that this transformation would be made possible through new generation facilities as well as major investments in transmission infrastructure, including new cross-border interconnections.

“I would like to highlight two regional flagship projects: the Black Sea submarine cable will connect Georgia and Romania with a 1,300-megawatt underwater transmission line, enabling the export of clean electricity to Europe. In parallel, together with Azerbaijan, Romania, and Hungary, we are developing a Green Energy Corridor that includes a large-scale electricity interconnector and a green hydrogen component. These projects are not just infrastructure; they represent our shared commitment to diversification, decarbonization, and long-term sustainability”, the minister stated.

Kvrivishvili also emphasised that renewable energy is the cornerstone of Georgia’s strategy.

“Over the next decade, more than 6,700 megawatts of renewable capacity - including hydro, wind, and solar power - are planned to be added in Georgia. Strategic hydropower projects will play a decisive role not only in meeting demand but also in ensuring system stability and integrating variable renewable energy sources”, she said.

“We are also carrying out significant reforms to improve the investment climate. At the same time, we are actively introducing innovations. With the support of the Asian Development Bank, we are advancing energy storage technologies and hydrogen solutions, as well as integrating smart and digital technologies into our energy system. The success of the Southern Gas Corridor project once again underscores the role of joint efforts by states in developing international projects of such importance”, Kvrivishvili concluded.

The 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku was opened by the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev.

The event was also attended by European commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen.