Georgia

Georgia made some level of progress in the implementation of the electricity and gas acquis but experienced several setbacks, failing to unbundle its electricity and gas transmission system operators and advance the development of competitive organized electricity and gas markets. The country stagnated when it comes to renewables reforms. Save for nature protection, Georgia continued its good performance in the area of environment. Its energy efficiency track record improved.

Georgia is in the early stages of preparation for the transposition of the 2021 Clean Energy Package. It has transposed the main elements of the Risk-preparedness Regulation.

38

Georgia’s focus should remain on the adoption of the large number of drafted by-laws needed to implement the Energy Efficiency Law, the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Law and the Labelling Regulation.

Institutional capacities and expertise for energy efficiency should continue to be strengthened, including the allocation of more staff to the energy efficiency field within the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, as well as launching new training programmes for energy performance certification of buildings, energy audits and energy management.

Adequate engagement of the private sector requires the further development of the market for energy services, including the finalisation and adoption of the enabling by-laws and model contracts for energy performance contracting. Finally, to increase efficiency in heating and cooling, Georgia should establish support programmes for individual households and buildings.

The capacities of the competent authority in the EIA and SEA procedures must be improved. The decision-making process for revised projects that were already approved under previous legislation must be aligned with the EIA Directive. The establishment of the e-platform for improving the consultation process in the EIAs/SEAs should be a priority. The Government should reconsider developing a mediation mechanism that would provide an opportunity for resolving environmental disputes before energy projects are granted permits. The scoping report, part of the SEA process for the draft NECP, must be prepared and consulted with the public and authorities concerned. The SEA report and the outcome of the consultations should be taken into account in the preparation of the final NECP in line with Article 8 of the SEA Directive.

The adoption of the Law on Biological Diversity should be a priority. Technical and financial support for the development of management and monitoring plans for the special protection areas (SPAs) for birds should be secured. Management and monitoring plans for the 24 SPAs should be prepared and enforced with a special focus on the protection of breeding and migratory birds concentrated in migratory corridors and high mountain ranges.

Amendments related to the transposing legislation of the Sulphur in Fuels Directive envisaged by Georgia should be adopted to ensure full compliance with the Directive’s provisions.