Energy and Economic Indicators Influencing Circular Economy in Georgia

The concept of circular economy builds upon more sustainable and efficient use of resources in different sectors of economy. Assessment of situation requires analyzing a combination of factors that influence development of economy toward circularity and resource efficiency. The given study focuses on a number of energy and environmental indicators in the context of developing circular economy in Georgia. As regards the energy dimension of the topic, implementation of the circular economy model is closely related to the energy security of the country. Particularly important is the development of renewable energy sources. The greater is the share of renewable energy the higher will be the resource conservation, thus enhancing resource efficiency. The study reviews different energy factors and their key trends in 2007–2020, such as energy intensity of the population, energy intensity of gross domestic product, total amount of greenhouse gases emissions per year, carbon intensity per capita population, carbon intensity per capita gross domestic product, gross domestic product per capita population, net consumption of electricity per capita population, individual and all sort of vehicles per capita population, and other important issues, which affect national energy and carbon intensity indicators and are related to the world’s most painful problem, climate change, and global warming. Furthermore, the study examines some essential processes and developments in the country’s environmental sector that have direct impact on the uptake of the circular economy model and its evolution in the country. The study aims to provide an insight into the main trends and existing frameworks that can foster the development of circular economy. This includes analyses of the indicators, legislative acts, and strategic documents in the fields of energy and environment, particularly waste management. It is important to note that the concept of green economy as well as promoting renewable energy has been high on the strategic agenda of the country’s development in recent periods. Efforts have been made to achieve progress in both directions through the national as well as international initiatives. However, while advancing green economy is a well-recognized strategic priority effective implementation of relevant measures and activities across sectors will be important to utilize the benefits and foster the development of circular economy model. Circular economy is a relatively new concept for Georgia and its implementation is at a very initial stage. Some processes ongoing in the energy and environmental fields can contribute to fostering more active uptake of the concept of circular economy; however, the success will largely depend on the magnitude and effectiveness of the implementation of practical measures, their monitoring and sustainability. Some initial steps undertaken at the legislative and regulatory level should be commended, and it is hoped that enhanced efforts and more active implementation activities will lead to expanding the application of circular economy practices in the country.