Off balance - The Georgian energy sector and the contradictions in EU policy and practice

This study reviews the development of greenfield hydro projects in Georgia and explores how current energy sector trends in the country relate – or otherwise – to sustainable energy principles. It concludes that the Georgian government, together with the European Union and EU institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, continues to support so called ‘traditional’ energy projects, mainly large hydro, and is not taking sufficient steps to support important elements of sustainable energy such as environmental integration, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.