Geo

About energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is defined as using less energy to provide the same, if not improved, level of performance, comfort, and convenience by, for example:

  • replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), which use 85% less energy to produce the same amount of light
  • replacing an old production line (+10 years) with a newer model, which could reduce energy consumption by up to 30%


Why is energy efficiency important?


Energy efficiency has become an important global issue that is receiving increasing attention due to rising energy prices, high dependency on energy imports and environmental problems.

As Georgia does not have significant oil or gas resources, roughly 75% of the energy consumed is imported. With this is mind, supporting energy efficiency measures will enable the country to decrease its dependence on import, improve the national energy security level and minimise negative environmental impact.


What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from natural renewable resources such as the sun, wind, water, geothermal energy and biomass.

As one of the world’s top five countries in per-capita water resources, Georgia has a considerable hydro-electric capacity. However, according to Ministry of Energy, Georgia is at present using only 18% of its hydro resource potential.

The construction of small and micro hydro power plants, for example, is potentially profitable for enterprises incurring large energy costs, as they would have their own source of energy, and for highland areas, where electricity is not available through the electrical grid.

Geothermal water is currently used for district heating, to heat greenhouses, and for recreational purposes. Total geothermal water reserves in Georgia exceed 160,000 m3 per day. Of these resources, 80% are located in the western part of the country and range in temperature from 30 to 110 degrees Celsius. Given the existing water potential, a wider range of entities could be supplied with heat.

Biomass is also considered one of the most important sources of power in rural Georgia, given that forests cover 40% of the country’s total territory. Investing in small biogas plants could be attractive to agricultural business clients, who run cattle farms and cultivate crops.

Georgia is endowed with rich wind energy potential, which offers an estimated annual power generation capacity of up to four billion kilowatt-hours. According to research, the most suitable areas for wind power plants in Georgia are in the high mountain zone of the Caucasuses, the highlands of southern Georgia (in the Javakheti region), and the southern part of the Black Sea coast.

Studies are currently being conducted to obtain important data about wind resources, which would provide interested businesses with exact figures for specific geographic areas.

Georgia’s geographic location also delivers large quantities of sunlight, thus making solar power a viable energy-efficient option. Sunny days per year vary anywhere from 250 to 280 days. This solar potential can be used to heat water or to generate electricity.

Investments in solar water technologies pay back within a short period of time and are easily realisable both by businesses (e.g. hotels operating in the summer) and private clients.


What does environmentally-friendly investment mean?


Measures having a direct or indirect positive impact on the environment. These measures help protecting the environment and save resources. Such investments can cover the following activities:

  • Soil/air/water protection measures, e.g. air filters, waste water treatment, forestation, bank reinforcement, etc.
  • Recycling and waste management, e.g. separation of waste, recycling of paper, plastic, etc.
  • Services for environmental/energy sector, e.g. building management systems, energy audits, energy consultancy, etc.
  • Sustainable certified products, e.g. organic agriculture, eco labels, etc.

Did you know that…

  • Energy-efficient bulbs (CFL, LED) consume at least four times less electricity than inefficient (incandescent) bulbs.
  • By insulating walls/roofs and replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, a hotel can reduce its heating demand by 50%.
  • Replacing an inefficient production line can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
  • One Monitor in waiting mode (screen without image and turned on control system) during normal operation uses 15% - of necessary energy
  • Excess weight increases fuel consumption. An extra 50 kg increases fuel consumption in cars by up to 1-2%
  • Switching from petrol to CNG reduces the emission of CO2 by at least 20% and is cost-effective at the same time
  • Producing 500 sheets of printing paper generates 2.5 kg CO2
  • One tree can be used to produce up to 45 boxes of printing paper (A4 format). Therefore, think twice before you print.

Be energy efficient with ProCredit Bank!