In 2019, Georgian power plants generated 11,865 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 2% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (in 2018, total generation was 12,149 mln. kWh) (Figure 1). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis comes from decrease in hydropower (-10%), more than offsetting the increase in thermal (+34%) and wind power generation (+0.5%).

In December 2019, Georgian power plants generated 1,012 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 3% increase in total generation, compared to the previous year (in December 2018, the total generation was 986 mln. kWh). The increase in generation on a yearly basis comes from the increase of 67% in thermal and 5% in wind power generation, more than offsetting the decrease in hydro power generation (-23%).

Three main economic sectors contributing to climate change are: energy (61%), transport (20.1%), and agriculture (8.5%). Interestingly, 25% of human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are caused by agriculture, forestry, and the change of land use. Within agriculture, the major contributor is the livestock sector, accounting for 44% of human-induced methane (CH4), 53% of nitrous oxide (N2O), and 5% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

What alternative energy sources can be used in mountainous regions of Georgia to ensure energy security, equity and environmental sustainability? The objective of the research is to contribute to solving the issue of energy security, equity and environmental sustainability in high mountainous settlements of Georgia.

In November 2019, Georgian power plants generated 913 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 1% increase in total generation, compared to the previous year (in November 2018, the total generation was 900 mln. kWh). The increase in generation on a yearly basis comes from the increase of 22% in thermal and 16% in wind power generation, more than offsetting the decrease in hydropower generation (-11%).