This report covers the process and results from the value chain analysis conducted on the hazelnut sector in West Georgia. The study presents a basis to shape interventions of the forthcoming ‘Phase II: Fairtrade & Organic Hazelnut Value Chain Development for Small Farmers in Western Georgia’ project, which is to be implemented by the Consortium (ELKANA, HEKS/EPER, ANKA and PAKKA) with the financial support of DANIDA.

Editor reviews all ISET documents submitted by ISET-PI Centre Heads and researchers, including but not limited to blogs, indices, reports, summaries, and other miscellaneous texts for English accuracy and comprehension, as well as for narrative cohesion and clarity.

In August 2018, Georgian power plants generated 985 mln. KWh of electricity. This represents a 5% decrease in total generation, compared to the previous year (in 2017, total generation in August was 1,034 mln. kWh). The decrease in generation on a yearly basis mainly comes from a decrease in hydropower and wind power generation (more details in the report below).

A number of reports released during late spring described and explained global achievements related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First released was the World Bank’s “Atlas of Sustainable Development Goals 2018”, which shed light on trends on a regional level (Georgia is categorized as a lower-middle-income country).

In recent times, the world has experienced an exponential increase in solar-powered generating capacity, especially in emerging markets such as China and India. The reasons for this rapid development exist due to low-priced equipment and improved technologies now reaching millions of people. As reported by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, solar capacity grew by 54% year-on-year, and over a three-year period, it has more than tripled.