Georgia Hydropower Expansion Adds 500 MW Renewable Capacity

Georgia is advancing hydropower expansion projects adding 500 megawatts of renewable generation capacity along the Enguri and Rioni river basins, strengthening the country's position as a clean energy producer and potential exporter to regional markets.

The development program includes multiple run-of-river facilities designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing electricity generation from Georgia's substantial water resources. The country's mountainous terrain provides ideal conditions for hydropower development.

International development finance institutions are providing project funding, including concessional loans and technical assistance for environmental and social impact management. Private investors are participating through public-private partnership structures.

Georgia already generates approximately 80 percent of electricity from hydropower sources, primarily the large Enguri dam facility. New projects diversify generation across multiple smaller installations, reducing dependence on single assets and improving grid reliability.

The expansion supports Georgia's potential role in the Caucasus Green Energy Corridor, which envisions transmitting renewable electricity from the region to European markets via subsea cables across the Black Sea. Hydropower's dispatchable characteristics complement variable solar and wind generation.