US Ambassador Kelly Degnan says that Georgia should take steps for energy independence and decrease its dependence on ‘malign actors who wield energy and gas as geopolitical weapons’. 

Speaking for the South Caucasus Free Energy Forum, Degnan commended Georgia’s commitments to reducing gas pollution and building a transparent, competitive electricity market from scratch.

 However, she stated that the work needs to continue for the country to achieve energy independence.

She said that this can be done through an incentive scheme tailored to local markets and building new renewable energy generation.

Degnan urged the Georgian government to continue working on a ‘transparent and consistent national energy strategy through important public consultations.’