The main direction of the government’s energy policy is the improvement of energy independence and increase of energy security of the country – reads the statement released by Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.

Decrease of dependency on the imported energy resources should be ensured by the use of local energy resources and diversification of supply sources.

The Ministry explains that energy development strategy is defined by the Association Agreement with the European Union that implies three objectives – regulation of the market, development of green energy and energy efficiency.

According to the Ministry, various researches confirmed that the demand on electric power for 2030 across Georgia will reach 21-22 billion kwh that exceeds the current generation capacity of the country by 8 billion kwh.

“The increasing demand on electric power should be satisfied by local production and there is no alternative to it,” reads the statement.

Locals of Pankisi Gorge who are protesting against the construction of a hydro-electric power plant in the region clashed with the Special Task Squad on April 22 twice. About 40 people were injured.