ON SOME ISSUES OF MANAGING GEORGIA’S HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL

Georgia's pursuit of energy security and sustainable development is intrinsically linked to its significant hydropower potential. This article examines the role of hydropower in Georgia's energy landscape, exploring its contribution to national energy security and its alignment with sustainable development goals. Georgia, strategically located in a geopolitically complex region, faces unique energy challenges. While actively participating in regional energy initiatives and facilitating energy transit to neighboring countries, Georgia also prioritizes diversifying its own energy sources. Hydropower, derived from the country's abundant river systems, offers a promising pathway towards achieving these objectives. With an estimated annual potential capacity of 15,000 MW and a production potential of 50 TWh, Georgia's hydropower resources remain significantly underutilized, currently supplying only 22.5% of its potential. Despite hydropower representing 80.5% of Georgia's electricity production, substantial opportunities exist for expanding its contribution to the national energy mix. However, harnessing this potential requires careful consideration of environmental and societal impacts. This article also presents findings from a survey of 1220 Georgian residents, revealing broad public support (80.1%) for increased utilization of hydropower resources. By exploring the interplay between Georgia's hydropower potential, energy security goals, and public perception, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the country's sustainable energy future. It also highlights the importance of integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices to maximize the benefits of hydropower while mitigating potential environmental concerns.