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development. It recently had to put on ice a major HPP project developed by Turkey's Enka Renewables after some 170 days of protests mounted by green organisations. The company announced on September 21 that it had pulled out of the Namakhvani project due to "breaches of contract" by the Georgian Government and force majeure, an event or circumstance beyond the control of both parties.
The project had proved controversial triggering protests led by the grassroots Save the Rioni Valley movement since late October, leading to government promises to revisit the project.Critics of the project, including several major opposition parties, have claimed that the environmental impacts and potential safety of the project had not been adequately studied, and that it threatened the valley’s unique local ecosystem.
Margebadze complained about small hydropower plants facing public opposition and said that the risk of broken dams flooding villages is nonexistent. However, the green activists are pointing to other kinds of threats in the environmental sphere.
9.1.12 Utilities sector news
€40mn EBRD loan and €13mn EU grant for Georgia energy efficiency
ADB approves
A €40mn EBRD loan and a €13mn grant from the EU will be used in Georgia to reduce energy consumption, mostly in schools, contributing to overall energy security and protection of the environment. Germany's national development bank KfW will also be providing additional financing.
“Lower utility bills, a cleaner environment and greater energy security benefits us all,” explained Catarina Bjorlin Hansen, EBRD Regional Director for the Caucasus. “Together with the European Union and KfW, we are directing our efforts to make schools in Georgia greener and to provide comfortable learning environments for students.”
Sigrid Brettel, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, commented: “Thanks to our joint programme with the EBRD and KfW, the EU is helping to scale up energy efficiency renovations in schools across Georgia. In addition to lower energy bills and CO2 emissions, this investment will bring healthier conditions for students, new jobs and improved energy security.”
Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance for Georgia, explained how the project was supporting the country’s transition to a green economy. “Our agenda to transition to a green economy remains a priority and is fully aligned with the ‘Green Investment in Buildings (GRIB) Georgia’ project, helping to build more resilient and efficient infrastructure while improving the learning environment for students in Georgia.
“In addition, it will support the government’s capacity to incorporate energy efficiency aspects into building construction and operations and increased private sector participation. The EU, EBRD and KfW are important partners of Georgia, in terms of both financial cooperation and deepening relations with Europe. We appreciate their role in helping Georgia overcome recent challenges and for ensuring that they are responsive to our priority needs.” Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI), echoed these comments. “Energy efficiency is an important component in the construction and rehabilitation of public buildings. This approach is beneficial for the environment, and so the MRDI, with the support of the EU and the financial institutions, aims to implement numerous environmentally friendly projects.”
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on September 21 the
57 GEORGIA Country Report August 2022 www.intellinews.com