Georgian Economy Minister: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Bulgaria agree to join forces to expand electricity transmission links

Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Bulgaria have agreed to join forces to further develop overland electricity transmission lines connecting the four countries, with the aim of boosting their capacity to export electricity to European Union markets, Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said on Tuesday.

Kvrivishvili made the remarks during meetings in Antalya, held on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where a significant regional agreement involving Georgia was signed.

The Minister said the four-way cooperation would create new opportunities for the region’s energy sector and enhance its export potential.

“Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Bulgaria have agreed to join forces to further develop the overland electricity transmission lines connecting our countries, thereby facilitating the export of electricity generated in our countries to EU member states more efficiently and with increased transmission capacity. This is a very important initiative”, Kvrivishvili said.

She stressed that developing the energy sector was a particular priority for Georgia, noting that the country had consistently maintained close cooperation with its neighbours and partners.

“Developing the energy sector is particularly important for us, and an integral part of this vision is supporting businesses operating in Georgia in exporting the electricity they generate”, the Minister said.

The agreement on strategic partnership in the field of clean energy, signed in Antalya by the governments of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Türkiye, aims to strengthen energy connectivity and security among the four countries, facilitate the transmission and supply of electricity generated from clean energy sources, and support the development of the necessary infrastructure.