Originally published July 2011.
Georgia has one of the highest levels of hydro resources per
capita in the world. There are more than 26,000 rivers in Georgia.
It is estimated that the total hydropower potential of Georgia is
80 terawatt hours (TWh), with the economically viable potential
estimated at 27 TWh. Presently, only about 11.1% of the technically
feasible potential has been developed.
Georgia's installed power generating capacity is about 3,000
MW, producing 6.8 TWh in 2008. Over 80% of Georgia's
electricity is generated by hydro plants and 19.7% by thermal
ones.
Georgia is facing a rapidly increasing demand for electricity;
therefore, the country is re-evaluating its power generation
expansion options. Georgia is in need of significant new winter
hydropower generation resources, if it is to eliminate its
dependency on foreign sources of fossil
