July 2023 was declared the hottest month in recorded human history over the past several centuries. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that, according to official data, July 2023 saw the three hottest days and the highest ocean temperatures ever recorded for that time of year. This alarming information prompted immediate reactions and statements from various international organizations. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres remarked that the era of global warming has been replaced by an era of global boiling.
Consequently, climate change, already identified as the number one challenge, once again took center stage in the attention of world leaders, this time with even greater urgency. The era of global boiling became the central topic for discussion and action planning at major international events worldwide.
In December 2023, at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, participating countries made a historic decision, signing an agreement to triple the volume of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels. Climate change is driven by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases into the environment, and one of the most effective ways to mitigate this and save the planet is by rapidly transitioning to renewable or green energy sources, which include the construction of more hydroelectric, solar, and wind power plants. The agreement to triple renewable energy capacity was signed with this goal in mind.
Climate change was the main topic at the annual Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2024.
Climate change affects every nation and every individual because it knows no borders. Therefore, Georgia also plays a role in these active global processes. The declared goal of our country is to develop renewable energy facilities, which will help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependency on energy imports. This, in turn, will ultimately assist the country in achieving energy independence. It is also noteworthy that considering Georgia's geographical conditions, the country has significant potential for hydropower development, as only 20% of the current potential is utilized.
Achieving the common goal requires the crucial involvement of the government, the private sector, civil society, and non-governmental organizations. We discussed the benefits of renewable energy and how the transition process helps combat climate change with David Koberidze, the Environmental Social, and Governance Manager at Bakhvi HPP.
- Mr. Koberidze, how would you evaluate the significance of renewable energy and its production considering the current reality of climate change?
- Renewable energy sources, such as hydropower plants, as well as solar and wind power plants, are among the most essential tools for slowing down the pace of climate change. This has been agreed upon by the civilized world years ago. Moreover, in 2019, another significant document, the European Green Deal, was created with the involvement of world leaders, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% of the 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The main driving force of this process is considered to be the abandonment of fossil fuels and their full replacement with renewable energy. About a month ago, we witnessed another historic decision when an agreement was signed to triple the volume of renewable energy globally. These events confirm that renewable energy is the only alternative way to combat and halt climate change.
It is essential to note that compared to other forms of energy, hydropower plants are stable sources of energy because, for example, the operation of wind and solar power plants largely depends on natural conditions. Additionally, hydropower plants have low greenhouse gas emissions during their operational period, which lasts for decades, and thus, they positively impact the environment. Greenhouse gases are one of the most significant contributors to global warming.
- Considering that Georgia is rich in water resources, with over 26,000 rivers, how important is it for Georgia to continue developing this sector to contribute to mitigating climate change and position itself internationally as a producer of clean and safe energy?
- Unfortunately, despite its great potential, Georgia is currently somewhat dependent on imported electricity generated using fossil fuel resources. If we aspire to be among developed countries like Austria, Switzerland, and others, we need to keep pace with them in overcoming this problem. Otherwise, we face the risk of being excluded from global processes and remaining dependent on a rather unreliable neighbor.
- You often mention that Bakhvi HPP is distinguished by its practice of implementing and enforcing high environmental standards during the project execution process. How important is it to popularize this approach, and why?
- When discussing climate change, it is impossible not to think about high environmental standards, as environmental components like water, air, and green cover play a crucial role in forming the climate. Therefore, when the idea of developing Bakhvi HPP in Guria arose, we began considering how to implement the project with the highest environmental and social management standards, as practiced in leading European countries. It is not new to the public that, at the constructive request of the local NGO sector and society, we involved internationally recognized consulting companies and independent experts in the research process. Additionally, based on our goodwill, we conducted climate and cumulative impact studies alongside biodiversity research.
Based on the results obtained, international experts prepared comprehensive recommendations aimed at reducing and avoiding environmental impacts. The implementation of this environmental and social issues management action plan is our priority, especially during the construction process.
**I must emphasize that the involvement of youth is particularly important in all the processes we discussed. The younger generation should be the foundation to ensure that the steps taken today in combating climate change and environmental care yield results over time. Speaking of Bakhvi HPP, I can say that Guria has a very bright and development-oriented new generation. Our educational projects have firmly convinced us of this. For instance, students from Mtispiri village in Ozurgeti municipality and Chkhakaura village in Chokhatauri municipality showed great interest in the training sessions on environmental protection and renewable energies, and they are actively involved in the learning process.
All this gives us hope that the new generation, equipped with modern knowledge and experience, will effectively cope with the challenges of climate change, which we will support by constructing new renewable energy generation facilities and fostering the development and education of young people.**