Georgian energy specialists are the ones who create our energy security and make a tremendous contribution to the development of the economy and of the country as a whole. In recent years, this sector has been developing very rapidly in Georgia, said the Prime Minister of Georgia at the event dedicated to Energy Specialists` Day.

He congratulated the energy community on their professional day, thanked them for their contribution to the development of the energy system of the country.

"Since 2012, energy generation has increased; we have seen qualitative growth in this direction. New hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants, solar and wind stations have been built.

Between 2004 and 2012, about 150 MW was added to the energy system, while since 2012 this figure has exceeded 1,000 MW. Installed capacity has increased from 3,359 MW to about 4,600 MW, and we have very ambitious goals for the coming years", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He spoke about the increased pace of gasification and noted that since 2012, natural gas has been supplied to 860 settlements, benefiting hundreds of thousands of Georgian citizens. Head of the Government also emphasized the significant reforms recently carried out in the energy sector, including cost reduction and staff optimization, aimed at further fostering the development of the sector.

"Over the course of the year, only within certain state-owned enterprises operating in the energy sector, we managed to save more than 370 million GEL. Naturally, these are funds that will be reinvested into the energy system and will contribute to the development of both our energy sector and the economy. Over the past years, harmful practices had developed in various areas. Among them, for example, was the improper practice of reselling permits, which had taken on a systemic character. We will ensure that these problems are resolved across all areas, which will accelerate the development of the energy sector in our country. By way of self-criticism, it should be noted that for several years the development of the energy sector was somewhat delayed and such practices hindered the rapid growth of the sector. These problems will be resolved and this will become a guarantee for even faster development of the energy sector in the coming years in our country", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.