A panel discussion about green technologies was held at BTU

Within the framework of “Initiative 5.0”, a panel discussion on “Green Technologies” / GreenTech was held at the University of Business and Technology.

At the conference, which was supported by local and international partners, a BTU study was presented. During the panel meeting, the attending public reviewed the challenges and potential in this area, as well as the legislative framework and regulations.

The discussion was attended by panelists – leading Georgian specialists in the field of green technologies:

• Maia Melikidze – BTU Affiliated Professor Research: “Green Energy (Solar Energy) Capabilities – Business Model”;
• Torniuke Kazarashvili – Head of the Energy Policy and Investment Projects Department of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development;
• Giorgi Abramishvili – Chairman of the Renewable Energy Development Association;
• Irakli Sakhsradze – GIZ Regional Expert.

“In general, such meetings are necessary and often necessary in the context of the general public, because we must understand well the importance of each direction, in this case the field of energy for our daily lives and future prospects. We should all try to share our knowledge, experience and consciously decide together what is for our better future and what to do will hurt us.

“Energy is a field whose development and promotion allows us to further develop other fields, therefore today’s conference is one small but important step forward in promoting green technology,” said Tornike Kazarashvili, Minister of Energy, Economy and Sustainable Development. Head of Projects Department.

“It is very important to hold such dialogues and work together to raise awareness – all parties involved must express their views. Our country is not rich in natural resources, however, in this direction, as far as renewable energies are concerned, Georgia has great potential and I believe that it is necessary to use this potential for future development. All this should be preceded by such consistent communication and awareness-raising meetings, which should involve both the state and the private sector. We, the private sector, are ready to spend time and energy on green technologies and thank the University of Business and Technology for the opportunity for dialogue, ”said Giorgi Abramishvili, Chairman of the Renewable Energy Development Association.

“It is important for the country to follow the regulations set by the European Union and in this regard, to implement the Europeanization of energy law, which, in turn, includes the introduction of European energy rules and principles in current activities. The Energy Community Framework and the Community will allow us to follow the pace of development of EU law and to reflect changes in legislation in a consistent manner. For this, again and again, it is necessary to involve specialists in the field, a mode of dialogue with them and raise awareness – each person should feel the importance of green technologies, “- said Irakli Samkharadze – GIZ regional expert.

The conference “Initiative 5.0” aims to share international expertise and the latest trends, achievements or research results in all sectors that contribute to the development of the digital economy and digital governance in Georgia. 

According to the Strategic Development Plan of the University of Business and Technology, the University aims to participate in the development of Georgia’s digital economy, integrate technology in various business sectors, promote sustainable development, and support the country’s innovative ecosystem. To implement this plan, a few months ago the University launched the project “Initiative 5.0”, which combines strategically important sectors in the country, in the form of various studies, projects, and events. These areas are Femtech, MediaTek, Law Technologies, Financial Technologies, Education Technologies, Health Technologies, Green Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Culture Technologies, Agrarian Technologies, etc.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to integrate innovation and modern technology into different areas and to share the international experience that will assist the country in this process. 

The series of panel discussions “Initiative 5.0” will be held from June 28 to July 1 at the University of Business and Technology.