Access to energy

Across BP, we work to bring affordable sources of energy to communities where it is needed. In Georgia, this means not only providing direct access to much-needed supplies of energy - which we are doing by providing gas to the domestic market - but also by helping to develop the country's energy infrastructure. 

This role involves providing support for upgrading physical assets and building the capacity of organizations and individuals to understand the importance of energy and use it wisely

Raising awareness of energy efficiency

In March 2009 we have launched a three-year initiative in Georgia which aims to raise public awareness of alternative energy options and the potential for energy efficiency in the regions of Georgia. The programme features a mobile information and demonstration unit – the ‘energy bus’ – containing information and displaying products and technology that promote energy efficiency. The bus visits urban and rural communities across the country. In addition the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) opened a concessional credit line for selected participating banks, to help provide micro and small loans to local communities interested in taking up the technologies. On behalf of our co-venturers, we have committed to providing up to $1million of grants to make these products more affordable to households.

Refurbishing the north-south main gas pipeline

Under an agreement signed with the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC), BP and its co-venturers continued to provide technical advice during 2007 in support of a major rehabilitation of the north-south main gas pipeline, maintenance of which is critical to ensuring the continued supply of gas and electricity to Georgia's population.

Constructed in the 1960s, and last rehabilitated in the 1980s, the pipeline is an important but ageing part of the national gas distribution system.  We have contributed $1.1 million to technical support for refurbishment, in the context of a $40 million rehabilitation project funded by the US government's Millennium Challenge Corporation. Our team provided training to GOGC staff in project management, covering topics such as scheduling and reporting, cost control, contractor management, safety and environmental management, and the use of geographical information systems. 

Promoting understanding of the energy industry

In October 2007, Transparency International Georgia began implementing a project with funding from BP Georgia to promote understanding of the energy sector. The programme aims to increase public awareness of the energy sector and disseminate information about energy sector reforms. It involves intensive training for journalists, producing tri-annual newspaper inserts that include comprehensive articles on energy issues, producing and disseminating monthly reports, and awarding a quarterly journalism award on energy issues.

"The project we are implementing with BP funding effectively enables us to educate and update journalists about changes in the state's energy policy and circumstances. It also reinforces the role of the journalist in informing the public about these issues, which is very important for the work we do to fight corruption by promoting transparency, accountability and public engagement". Tamuna Karosanidze, Executive Director, Transparency International Georgia. View other projects