Georgian PM backs large hydropower projects as key to energy stability

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said Georgia must move forward with large hydropower projects, arguing that stability in the energy sector could not be achieved without them.

Speaking on Imedi TV show Open Air - Debates, Kobakhidze emphasised the urgency of making a strategic decision on energy development, stating that his government’s position was clear in favour of expanding large-scale hydropower capacity.

“Today, the state must know whether to begin work on large hydropower plants. We must answer this question now. Our answer is very clear - yes, because without large hydropower plants, stability in this sector cannot be achieved”, Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister explained that over a ten-year period, Georgia planned to add approximately 2,800 MW of hydropower capacity, with around 1,900–2,000 MW expected to come from large hydropower plants.

“When we talk about hydropower plants, the projected figure over a ten-year period is 2,800 MW, of which approximately 1,900 MW comes specifically from large hydropower plants. Everything has been calculated. Therefore, we say that if we do not add around 2,000 MW of installed capacity from large hydropower plants, system stability cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, stability cannot be ensured solely through solar and wind energy”, he noted.

Kobakhidze stressed that while public participation and stakeholder engagement were important, the government would not tolerate actions that undermine national interests or disrupt strategic energy projects.

“It is very important to ensure the involvement of citizens and various sectors, but this must not turn into sabotage. There have been cases where people were mobilized - most of them, I believe, acted sincerely - but it was organised by certain individuals. About one million dollars was taken from a specific company. Some individuals acquired stakes in projects - unfortunately, this has become an established practice”, Kobakhidze stressed.

He alleged that certain actors have manipulated public sentiment for financial gain, including acquiring shares in projects or demanding payments, which he described as harmful practices.

“People are misled, their emotions are manipulated, and then they are calmed down in exchange for money or shares in specific hydropower projects. The state will no longer allow such practices. Where all interests are objectively protected, every project will be implemented. We will not allow precedents where individuals blackmail others, acquire shares, or pursue broader interests that amount to sabotage against the state. Our approach is clear - broad participation will be ensured, but sabotage will not be tolerated under any circumstances”, the prime minister concluded.