GEORGIA TO IMPORT ENERGY NOT ONLY FROM RUSSIA, BUT TURKEY, IRAN
ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
September 30, 2006 Saturday
Georgia will be able to import electric power it needs in winter not
only from Russia, but also from Turkey and Iran by transit via Armenia.
Tbilisi prolonged the relevant agreement of 2005 with Ankara and
sealed deals with Yerevan and Tehran, Georgian Energy Minister Nika
Gelauri said on Saturday.
Under the agreements, Georgia will import electric power from Turkey
and Iran by transit via Armenia on a barter basis.
Georgia will import 100 megawatts from Turkey and another 150 megawatts
from Iran.
Gelauri pointed out that "at present, Georgia is insured from any
incidents and emergencies in the country’s energy system."
"The Russian-Georgian agreements remain in force. Pursuant to them,
Georgia will be able to import 200-250 megawatts from Russia by the
end of the year," a ministry’s official told Itar-Tass.
"At present, electric power supplies from Russia are suspended, but
if it is necessary, they will be resumed," the official said pointing
out that Georgia plans to prolong these agreements in 2007.
Georgia’s demand for electric power in winter makes up 1,700
megawatts. Georgia’s hydropower and thermal-power stations account
for 76 percent.