Georgia’s renewable energy mix should develop through a combination of hydropower, solar and wind rather than reliance on one technology, according to GREDA Executive Director Maia Melikidze.

Speaking to Commersant, Melikidze said the three renewable sources can complement each other and help create a stronger and more reliable electricity system.

Her comments followed the publication of Galt & Taggart’s review of Georgia’s electricity market in May 2026.

The report showed that local electricity consumption rose by 3.8% year on year to 1.1 TWh. However, exports fell by 73.1% to 0.05 TWh. As a result, total demand, including exports, declined by 8.6% to 1.2 TWh.

May highlights Georgia’s seasonal challenge

May is usually an important electricity-export month for Georgia because hydropower output rises during the spring.

In 2026, several factors occurred at the same time. Water availability increased, export opportunities remained limited and electricity prices in Turkey fell to low levels.

The system therefore faced periods when available generation exceeded domestic demand and commercially viable export opportunities.

According to the market review, the electricity system restricted some generation to maintain the balance between supply and demand. Local generation consequently fell by 9.5% year on year.

Melikidze described these restrictions as operational decisions made to protect the safe and stable functioning of the system. She said they should not be interpreted as a preference for one generation technology over another.

More generation requires greater flexibility

Melikidze said Georgia must continue developing hydropower, solar and wind. However, new generation alone will not be enough.

She identified several supporting priorities: stronger transmission infrastructure, energy-storage systems, further development of organised electricity trading and additional export opportunities.

These measures could help the system manage seasonal changes in production and demand. They could also reduce the need to restrict renewable generation during periods of high output.

Hydropower remains the main source of electricity in Georgia. Solar and wind still account for a much smaller share, although both are attracting new investment.

The technologies have different production profiles. A more diverse mix could therefore improve system resilience, especially when combined with storage, flexible consumption and stronger regional connections.

Melikidze said Georgia’s long-term objective should be a power system that can safely absorb a growing share of renewable generation while maintaining reliable supply.

The article is based on comments by Maia Melikidze, Executive Director of GREDA, published by Commersant, and market figures reported by Galt & Taggart.