Promotion of Introduction of Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies in High-Mountain Regions

This solar installation project was carried out in the high mountain regions of Svaneti and Tkibuli. It showed that solar energy for hot water supply can be successful.

The project included two solar hot water installations and improved the living conditions for the target groups of kindergarten children and staff, and a farm family. Total benefited: 120 schoolchildren, 25 kindergarten teachers and caregivers, about 10 farmers.

In the snowy mountainous region, solar construction using flat heliosystems is more appropriate than the vacuum collector type. The pilot systems reduced CO₂ by 20-30 tons. The Svaneti farm installation reduce the amount of wood used as a source of energy by approximately 30-40%.

The locations were selected because of regional public awareness of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, and the importance of energy efficiency. The target groups increased their level of knowledge of energy efficiency, climate change and renewable energy use.

The project conducted seven training seminars and meetings with the target groups, or about 177 people. A total of 3200 copies of publications were prepared and circulated. Through the use of radio, TV and printed materials, about 20% of the population of Western Georgia and about 60% of the pilot regions received useful information on energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and climate change.