US to invite investment in Georgian hydro-energy

USAID has started inviting investments in Georgian hydro-energy. The
project was presented at the Courtyard Marriott hotel, Trend reports.

Approximately $9 billion will be invested in the project. The project
is aiming at adding a renewable part of the energy system, namely an
ecologically clean 400 megawatt system. USAID said that the project
will make Georgia energy-independent and it will sell energy to the
growing Turkish and East European markets.

The director of USAID department in the Caucasus, Jonathan Conli, said
that Georgia has great hydro resources, something he called the most
expensive and important resource in the country.

Deputy Minister of Energy Marik Valishvili said that $8.9 million will
be issued for the project from post-conflict aid to Georgia. The total
post-conflict aid is $125 million.