With Europe seeking to diversify its energy supply and accelerate its green transition, Georgia has emerged as a vital partner in the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor. This is a pioneering initiative linking Caspian-region renewables to Europe via a submarine electricity cable. Anchored by a newly formed joint venture among Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, and Hungary, the project aligns with EU energy diplomacy and pushes forward geo-economic integration through green infrastructure. Georgia is not only a transit hub but a key supplier, leveraging its renewable resources to connect the South Caucasus to EU grids.
The initial intergovernmental agreement on the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor project was signed on 17 December 2022 in Bucharest. At a high-level ceremony, Prime Ministers and Presidents from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, and Hungary formalized the project to connect South Caucasus green energy to Europe via an undersea cable. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also attended, underscoring Black Sea Green Energy Corridor’s strategic importance for EU energy diversification.
In September 2024, transmission system operators from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Romania established the Green Energy Corridor Power Company based in Bucharest to steer research and design for the Black Sea submarine cable project. The joint venture marks a formal shift from a memorandum to operational coordination, laying the groundwork for a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector to transmit regional green energy to the EU.
The proposed undersea cable within the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor will span approximately 1,155 km (around 1,115 km under the sea and 40 km on land), operate at 525 kV, and carry a capacity of 1,300 MW, making it one of the world’s longest HVDC submarine transmission lines. A study conducted by Italian firm CESI supported by Georgia’s State Electrosystem, the Economy Ministry, and the World Bank confirmed the project’s technical and economic viability. Environmental impact and seabed surveys are slated for 2025-2026.
Black Sea Green Energy Corridor enables the EU to bypass reliance on Russian energy and access abundant renewable resources from Azerbaijan (notably wind and solar) and Georgia’s expanding hydro and wind production. Romania’s Energy Minister emphasized the project’s dual value: boosting energy security and reducing electricity costs. The corridor serves as a tangible example of EU energy diplomacy and regional cooperation, extending renewable connectivity from the South Caucasus to Central and Eastern Europe. The European Commission has committed approximately €2.3 billion to facilitate construction.
Georgia solidifies its position as a dual-purpose energy corridor, not merely a transit location, but also a green energy contributor. With 73% of its energy from hydropower and growing wind potential, Georgia’s energy participation enhances regional decarbonization. This project opens pathways for strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and investment in sustainable infrastructure advanced by Georgia’s economy and energy sectors.
The Spanish-Georgian Business Alliance (SGBA) plays an important role in translating the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor from concept to action. By convening policymakers, energy authorities, and EU funding agencies, SGBA facilitates dialogue, promotes legal alignment, and assists in structuring co-financing models for public-private partnership frameworks. Its market insights, stakeholder outreach, and alignment with EU energy ambitions ensure the Black Sea Green Energy Corridor benefits Georgia’s economy while reinforcing resilience and sustainability across the Caucasus-EU energy axis.
This export has been allowed from 2021. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, In 2023 about 21 tons of snails were exported, which were worth 190.50 thousand dollars. These examples reflect the expanding depth and diversity of Georgia-EU trade.