The next energy revolution is on our doorstep, and it is going to be driven by renewable power generation technologies. In contrast, power transmission network projects worth USD 40 trillion are being financed through different state and private investments all around the world. Mr. Michael Delphia, Senior Energy expert at USAID’s Governing for Growth Project discussed the concept of market-centered energy planning (M-CEP) with the ISET community at an open lecture.

Technological advancements in the energy sector pushed renewable energy (such as wind and solar power) to being more competitive compared to conventional sources of power. New energy systems iare primarily characterized with a large number of customers producing electricity themselves. Furthermore, cheaper renewable energy technologies push power prices down, making different industries more competitive. Large wind farms or solar energy technologies are mostly needed for providing operating reserves. However, recent developments in energy storage technologies are phenomenal, and are going to transform the entire grid towards using more renewable technologies, as well as support development of 24/7 solar power for households.

New developments with Tesla Energy and other international energy projects were discussed during the seminar. M-CEP envisages the development of less regulated power systems driven purely by market forces. All this development has to be taken into account in the energy planning of future Georgian power systems.

The seminar was followed by a discussion, wherein Mr. Delphia answered questions regarding the Georgian power system and how concepts of M-CEP should be taken into account.

Mr. Delphia also shared his experience in headeding a number of USAID projects in Georgia aimed at reforming the country’s power sector. Throughout his career, Mr. Delphia has spent around 20 years in the US energy industry and has supported power and gas reforms in over 70 countries around the world.