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21/06/2024

Local Economic Development Forum in Tbilisi

Connective Cities promotes dialog on municipal renewable energy initiatives in Georgia

Expert panel at the forum | Photo: Connective Cities

Tbilisi, June 7th - Connective Cities Southeast Europe convened a parallel session during the Local Economic Development (LED) Forum in Tbilisi, focusing on "Renewable Energy Options at the Municipal Level." This session provided a platform for mayors from Georgian municipalities, including Senaki, Eredvi, and Khoni, to exchange insights, challenges, and innovative approaches in advancing renewable energy initiatives within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, Dr. Irakli Samkharadze, Energy Advisor of Omnia, provided insights into the European Green Deal and its implications for municipalities, enriching the discussion with a broader perspective on sustainable energy transitions.

The Mayor of Senaki Municipality shared notable advancements, including the integration of renewable energy sources into municipal buildings and the installation of solar panels across various locations to raise awareness and support action plans aligned with the Covenant of Mayors.

Despite being geographically remote due to Russian occupation from 2008, Eredvi Municipality has made significant strides in renewable energy with the installation of a Solar Energy Plant, supported by the Lithuanian Government. This initiative has resulted in the generation of 855 kW of electric energy, providing 692 displaced families with free electricity. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, the mayor underscored the need for adequate knowledge to maintain and operate solar panels effectively.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Khoni Municipality highlighted the transformative impact of Connective Cities sessions, which facilitated the development of a project concept for renewable energy feasibility studies. With a vision to become Georgia's greenest city, Khoni Municipality is committed to further developing its renewable energy capabilities.

The session culminated in an interactive dialogue moderated by Connective Cities Southeast European Regional Advisor, Ketevan Papashvili. Speakers and participants engaged in robust discussions, addressing challenges, and exploring potential solutions to advance renewable energy agendas at the municipal level.

The LED Forum, organized by Tbilisi City Hall, serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies promoting economic growth, innovation, and sustainability in Tbilisi. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the forum aims to drive investments and initiatives that contribute to the city's economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.


Author:
Ketevan Papashvili, Connective Cities


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