Georgia and Turkey have agreed on a barter exchange of electricity. The new scheme implies that during the spring-summer period, Georgia will supply surplus electricity generated by hydroelectric power plants during floods to the neighboring country, and in autumn and winter, it will receive an equivalent amount back. This mechanism will allow for more efficient distribution of seasonal surpluses and cover deficits during the cold season.
According to local media, agreements between Tbilisi and Ankara have already been reached. The main goal of the initiative is to avoid energy losses during periods of maximum HPP generation. In spring and summer, river levels rise, leading to increased generation at hydroelectric power plants, while in autumn, production decreases, and consumption, on the contrary, increases.
However, the new scheme will not affect power plants operating under fixed contracts with obligations to the power system operator. Currently, Georgia has about 100 hydroelectric power plants of various types, which provide up to 80% of the country's domestic electricity needs. The total installed capacity of Georgian HPPs reaches 3300 MW.