Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee, Shota Berekashvili, attended an economic forum dedicated to energy issues and addressed the participants.

"The energy sector is of strategic importance for Georgia. We are operating in a reality where countries that possess accessible energy resources and enjoy energy independence benefit from a competitive advantage. In this context, both Georgia and the Caucasus region as a whole are of particular interest, as they have a real opportunity to develop into one of the leading hubs for affordable energy and to acquire significant export potential. In this regard, the European Union market is especially noteworthy. The Black Sea Submarine Cable Project will further strengthen Georgia’s position, as diversified export channels create conditions for increased domestic generation and provide competitive opportunities for energy trade", - said Shota Berekashvili.

According to him, energy is the central link in the value chain of the economy, and the modern world is gradually transitioning to an economic model based on the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies: "In this model, access to energy resources becomes a decisive factor. According to McKinsey`s estimates, by 2030, investments in the data center sector will reach USD 7 trillion against the backdrop of growing demand for artificial intelligence, while total electricity consumption by data centers may increase from the current 1%–1.5% to nearly 8%. In this context, Georgia`s electricity sector has a unique opportunity to establish its place in the modern global digital economy. The existing structural imbalance between electricity generation and demand in Georgia, largely driven by seasonality and increased demand during winter peak periods, represents a temporary and manageable challenge. Ongoing large-scale projects and a substantial investment portfolio provide grounds to assume that this imbalance will be fully eliminated in the coming years. As a result, by 2034, the country`s total installed capacity will exceed 10,000 megawatts, ensuring the sustainable satisfaction of domestic demand and creating a solid foundation for energy independence".

He further emphasized that the legislative and executive authorities must ensure an even more transparent and predictable environment for the private sector.

In this process, Parliament will continue to bring energy legislation closer to European standards and to support the private sector in the energy field.

The economic forum entitled "Georgia`s Energy Policy 2025 – Summary and Challenges" was attended by the Vice-Speaker of Parliament Ilia Injia, the Deputy Chair of the Faction "Georgian Dream" Rima Beradze, the Deputy Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Inga Pkhaladze, the Chair of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission David Narmania, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Georgia Archil Gachechiladze. The event was organized by Business Insider Georgia.