Georgia will soon be releasing its first National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), which covers a comprehensive set of policies and cross-sectoral measures in power, transport,  industry, buildings and services. Energy demand in Georgia stems primarily from transport (33 per cent), the residential sector (30 per cent) and industry (15 per cent). In 2017 Tbilisi released its Land Use Master Plan 2030 to increase the efficiency of infrastructure investment, create a balanced road network to reduce traffic congestion and establish a network of green spaces. The success of both plans will rely on cooperation with Tbilisi City Hall and its residents, presenting a range of opportunities to showcase the city’s action and leadership on energy efficiency.

There are a number of high impact opportunities to improve energy efficiency in Tbilisi that could be prioritised across transport, buildings and industry sectors. These actions could allow Tbilisi City Hall to consider increasing its level of ambition by raising its current emission reduction target of 20 per cent in 2020 to 30 or 40 per cent by 2030.

Increased data collection and monitoring of energy use in Tbilisi will help develop an improved understanding of where and how energy is being consumed. Collection of this data can then help inform and enable the evaluation of policies, programs and tools to help improve energy efficiency.

There is a need to further build capacity of energy efficiency experts across transport, buildings and industry in Tbilisi through train-the-trainer workshops, staff exchanges, study tours and other activities. Targeted information, education and awareness activities along with showcasing Tbilisi’s success stories through various communication channels, including Tbilisi’s Energy Efficiency Information Centre, presents an opportunity to promote energy efficiency action and change behaviours.

Tbilisi City Hall and the Government of Georgia have established a strong collaborative relationship that will support the delivery of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which, along with other city-level initiatives, is well placed to deliver energy efficiency improvements across key sectors in Tbilisi.