EU4Energy: What is it and how does it work in Georgia?

June 11, 2020

  • What is EU4Energy?
  • How does the Initiative work?
  • How do citizens benefit?
  • How does Georgia benefit?
  • What opportunities are there?
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What is EU4Energy?

The EU4Energy Initiative covers all support that the European Union is offering in the energy field to the six countries of the Eastern Partnership – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

How does the Initiative work?

The EU is financing energy projects and programmes that help to improve energy efficiency and the use of renewables, reform energy markets, as well as improve energy infrastructure and connectivity between countries.

A map of all EU-funded projects in Georgia provides an overview of the current status in the country.

How do citizens benefit?

There are a number of positive, practical results for Georgia. Some 22 towns and cities across the country are part of the EU-supported Covenant of Mayors East covering almost 60% of the population. The EU is assisting them in achieving the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and adopting a joint approach to tackling mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), where the EU is the biggest contributor, launched a number of energy efficiency projects in Georgia, including the provision of ‘green’ buses in the coastal town of Batumi, the introduction of a fleet of energy saving buses in the capital Tbilisi, and energy efficiency retrofitting of schools across the country.

The EU also provides assistance to energy infrastructure projects to improve the quality, reliability and sustainability of energy supply in Georgia, such as the rehabilitation of hydro power plants at Enguri and Vardnili and the construction of the first wind farm in the region – Qartli.

The Energocredit programme, supported by the EU and managed by the EBRD, funded a wide range of energy efficiency initiatives, including the Innova medical centre and Shilda Winery – the winner of the first edition of the European Union Sustainable Energy Award for the Eastern Partnership in 2019.

And a demonstration project launched in 2018 is running under the Covenant of Mayors banner which foresees the comprehensive thermal refurbishment of two municipal kindergartens in the town of Telavi.

How does Georgia benefit?

The EU4Energy Programme aims to improve the quality of energy data and statistics, shape regional policy-making discussions, strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks and improve access to information in the Eastern partner countries.

On the legislative side, the Energy Community Secretariat, as one implementing partner of the programme, is helping Georgia ensure that both its electricity and gas legislation are in line with the EU’s Third Energy Package, which aims at opening up gas and electricity markets. Recent developments include the adoption of key EU Energy Efficiency legislation in May 2020 paving the way for large-scale energy efficiency rehabilitation of buildings programmes. Funded by the EU and other development partners in Georgia they will bring about important economic, environmental and health benefits.

What opportunities are there?

Programmes such as the Covenant of Mayors East, and the Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects offer opportunities for communities to ensure more reliable energy supply, as well as reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Additionally, you can check out the EU4Business portal to see what opportunities exist to make a business energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Moreover, if you are interested in cutting-edge research and innovation funding, you can see the opportunities offered under the Horizon 2020 programme.

There are also EU-supported programmes that provide funding for businesses and individuals according to specific eligibility criteria and conditions. You can refer to web site of the European Union Delegation to Georgia or you can subscribe to the news alerts of the EU4Energy project and receive updates of any opportunities.

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