October 3-4 // Marriott Hotel, Tbilisi, Georgia
ENABLING PV FORUM FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS & CENTRAL ASIA
Enabling PV Forum 2024 Highlights
Watch the key moments from the Enabling PV Forum 2024 in Tbilisi, where experts and leaders from the South Caucasus and Central Asia came together to discuss solar energy, sustainability, and regional cooperation. Discover insights and innovations that are shaping the future of renewable energy in the region.
Empowering the Future of Renewable Energy
Join us at the 1st Enabling PV Forum for South Caucasus & Central Asia, where industry leaders, innovators, and policy makers come together to drive the expansion of photovoltaic technology and sustainable energy solutions. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of renewable energy in the region. Participation is free of charge and is subject to confirmation of participation by the organisers.
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About the Enabling PV Forum
The inaugural Enabling PV Forum is a groundbreaking event dedicated to advancing photovoltaic (PV) technology and projects as well as sustainable energy across South Caucasus and Central Asia. Gathering over 100 experts from public authorities, industry, finance, and academia, this forum is your opportunity to engage with leading voices, discover the latest trends, and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Expansion of PV and other Renewable EnergiesExplore the latest advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology and other renewable energy sources. Learn how these innovations are driving sustainable development in the region.
- Energy Efficiency StrategiesDiscover cutting-edge techniques to maximize energy efficiency. These strategies are essential for reducing costs and enhancing the sustainability of energy systems.
- Solar Energy InvestmentsLatest trends in financing models, including green bonds, public-private partnerships, and international funding initiatives.
- Regulatory and Financing TrendsStay informed about the latest regulatory frameworks and financing options. Learn how they impact the adoption and growth of renewable energy projects.
- Industry and Innovations InsightsGain insights into the latest industry trends, including cost developments, supply chain management, and manufacturing practices. These insights are critical for staying competitive in the market.
- Skilled Labor and Workforce DevelopmentAddress the growing need for skilled labor in the renewable energy sector. Explore initiatives for capacity building and training that are vital for supporting the industry's growth.
Be a Part of the Future of Energy in the Heart of Tbilisi
Join us in Tbilisi, where tradition meets innovation. Engage with experts, share insights, and drive the energy revolution in South Caucasus and Central Asia. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative event.
Be a Part of the Future of Energy in the Heart of Tbilisi
Join us in Tbilisi, where tradition meets innovation. Engage with experts, share insights, and drive the energy revolution in South Caucasus and Central Asia. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative event.
Day 1: Knowledge Exchange and Market Insights
Thursday, October 3
Simultaneous translation English-Russian
Simultaneous translation English-Russian
08:30 – 09:30
Registration
09:30 – 10:00
Opening: Welcome & Keynote
Christoph Urbschat, Owner and CEO, eclareon GmbH
George Kekelidze, Executive Director, International Innovative Technologies/Eurosolar Georgia
Key Note: Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of Business Association of Georgia
George Kekelidze, Executive Director, International Innovative Technologies/Eurosolar Georgia
Key Note: Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of Business Association of Georgia
10:00 – 11:30
Panel 1: On the transition path: Joint efforts for green skills development
This panel will explore the intersection of energy policy and education in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. Discussions will focus on how targeted energy policies can stimulate market demand, while capacity-building initiatives strengthen the supply side of green skills. Panelists will share insights on joint efforts between governments, educational institutions, and industry to create a workforce equipped to drive the green energy transition in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Moderator: Kristina Haverkamp, Managing Director of the German Energy Agency (dena)
Speakers:
Fitratullo Nabiev, Director of the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson of the Board, Qazaq Green Association
Zviad Gachechiladze, Member of the Board of Directors, Electric Grid Company GSE
Jahid Mikayilov, Head of Press Section, Press Secretary, Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan
Moderator: Kristina Haverkamp, Managing Director of the German Energy Agency (dena)
Speakers:
Fitratullo Nabiev, Director of the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson of the Board, Qazaq Green Association
Zviad Gachechiladze, Member of the Board of Directors, Electric Grid Company GSE
Jahid Mikayilov, Head of Press Section, Press Secretary, Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan
11:30 – 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 – 13:15
Breakout Session 1: Accelerating solar energy investments
This session will delve into the financial mechanisms and investment opportunities that are pivotal to the growth of the solar energy sector in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Participants will explore the latest trends in financing models, including green bonds, public-private partnerships, and international funding initiatives designed to boost solar investments. The session will also address challenges related to investor confidence, risk management, and the regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome to attract large-scale investments in solar projects.
Moderator: Khatuna Akhalaia, EU4 Business EBRD credit line, DCFTA Programme for Georgia
Speakers:
Alex Matua, CEO, JSC Procredit Bank Georgia
Bondo Tabatadze, Principal Corporate Banker, Bank of Georgia
Satenik Mkhitaryan, Innovative Projects Manager, Armenia Renewable Resources & Energy Efficiency (R2E2) Fund
Nugzar Khaindrava, Project Director, Kartli Generation
Moderator: Khatuna Akhalaia, EU4 Business EBRD credit line, DCFTA Programme for Georgia
Speakers:
Alex Matua, CEO, JSC Procredit Bank Georgia
Bondo Tabatadze, Principal Corporate Banker, Bank of Georgia
Satenik Mkhitaryan, Innovative Projects Manager, Armenia Renewable Resources & Energy Efficiency (R2E2) Fund
Nugzar Khaindrava, Project Director, Kartli Generation
11:45 – 13:15
Breakout Session 2: Regulatory frameworks and market dynamics for solar and renewables
This session will explore the evolving market landscapes and regulatory frameworks driving the growth of solar and renewable energies in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The session will provide insights into the photovoltaic (PV) and renewable energy (RE) sectors in the different countries, focusing on the most dynamically developing PV and RE applications and the regulatory environments supporting them. It will also address key questions on how policy and market structures can be optimized to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
Moderator: Maya Melikidze, Executive Director, Georgian Renewable Energy Development Association
Speakers:
Salome Janelidze, Senior Energy Expert, European Energy Community Secretariat
Davit Narmania, Chairman of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC)
Dr. Yury Melnikov, Senior Advisor, eclareon GmbH
Ainur Sospanova, Chairman of the Board, Qazaq Green Association, Kazakhstan
Moderator: Maya Melikidze, Executive Director, Georgian Renewable Energy Development Association
Speakers:
Salome Janelidze, Senior Energy Expert, European Energy Community Secretariat
Davit Narmania, Chairman of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC)
Dr. Yury Melnikov, Senior Advisor, eclareon GmbH
Ainur Sospanova, Chairman of the Board, Qazaq Green Association, Kazakhstan
11:45 – 13:15
Breakout Session 3: Elevating solar energy workforce: enhancing vocational training
This session will provide insights into preparing the next generation of solar energy professionals, ensuring that training programs remain agile and aligned with the evolving demands of the industry. As the demand for renewable energy, particularly solar power, accelerates in South Caucasus and Central Asia, the need for a skilled workforce to support the sector is more critical than ever. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with developing a robust solar energy workforce through enhanced vocational training programs.
Moderator: Aslitdin Nizamov, Professor, Bukhara Technological Institute, Uzbekistan
Fitratullo Nabiev, Director of the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Tamar Rukhadze, Qualifications’ Development Manager, Skills Agency Georgia
Nino Bakuradze, Director, College Phazisi
Tamar Kitiashvili, General Director, 4L - Life-Long-Learning-Laboratory
Moderator: Aslitdin Nizamov, Professor, Bukhara Technological Institute, Uzbekistan
Fitratullo Nabiev, Director of the National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Tamar Rukhadze, Qualifications’ Development Manager, Skills Agency Georgia
Nino Bakuradze, Director, College Phazisi
Tamar Kitiashvili, General Director, 4L - Life-Long-Learning-Laboratory
13:15 – 14:30
Lunch & networking
14:30 – 16:00
Panel 2: The role of universities in developing the solar industry in the region
This panel will showcase how universities are pivotal in developing the solar industry through applied research, development, and demonstration projects. Speakers will present initiatives aimed at enhancing the PV manufacturing and engineering capabilities within the region, highlighting the collaborative role of academia in advancing solar technology. The session will explore successful models of university-industry partnerships and their impact on building a skilled workforce and a strong solar industry base.
Moderator: Tamar Lominadze, Vice-Rector of Georgian Technical University (tbc)
Speakers:
Levan Khetsuriani, NCP Coordinator, Head of Horizon Europe National Office of Georgia
Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
Dr. Siyavush Azakov, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan
Bella Kvirkelia, Director, Nodar Kekelidze Materials Research Institute at Tbilisi State University
Makhsud Makhmudov, Doctor of Engineering, Bukhara Engineering and Technology Institute, Uzbekistan
Moderator: Tamar Lominadze, Vice-Rector of Georgian Technical University (tbc)
Speakers:
Levan Khetsuriani, NCP Coordinator, Head of Horizon Europe National Office of Georgia
Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
Dr. Siyavush Azakov, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan
Bella Kvirkelia, Director, Nodar Kekelidze Materials Research Institute at Tbilisi State University
Makhsud Makhmudov, Doctor of Engineering, Bukhara Engineering and Technology Institute, Uzbekistan
16:00 – 16:15
Coffee Break
16:15 – 17:45
Breakout Session 4: Value creation and industrial development: establishing local production for renewable energy components
This session will focus on the potential for establishing local manufacturing capabilities for renewable energy components within the South Caucasus and Central Asia. By developing local production, the region can reduce dependency on imports, create jobs, and strengthen the entire renewable energy value chain. Industry experts will discuss strategies for building local capacities, the economic benefits of local production, and the policy frameworks required to support the growth of domestic manufacturing for solar panels, inverters, and other critical components.
Moderator: George Kekelidze, Executive Director, Innovation Energy LLC
Speakers:
Soso Nibladze, CEO, Tbilisi Free Industrial Zone
Andreas Dreisiebner, WepfAir AG, Switzerland
David Kapanadze, Managing Director, Sakcable, Georgia
David Popkhadze, Director, Savaneti Eggs
Moderator: George Kekelidze, Executive Director, Innovation Energy LLC
Speakers:
Soso Nibladze, CEO, Tbilisi Free Industrial Zone
Andreas Dreisiebner, WepfAir AG, Switzerland
David Kapanadze, Managing Director, Sakcable, Georgia
David Popkhadze, Director, Savaneti Eggs
16:15 – 17:45
Breakout Session 5: Scaling Up: Industry insights on developing utility-scale solar projects and supporting initiatives
The session will focus on the regulatory, infrastructural, and technical aspects of deploying utility-scale solar PV projects in the South Caucasus and Central Asia regions. Industry experts will share insights drawn from real-world case studies, highlighting best practices and challenges faced during the development of large-scale solar initiatives. The session aims to foster discussion on how to scale up solar power in these regions through supportive policies and innovative project designs.
Moderator: Dr. Yury Melnikov, Senior Advisor, eclareon
Speakers:
Murman Margvelashvili, World Experience for Georgia, Founder and Board Member
Anuki Batiashvili, Head of International Relations Department, Georgian Energy Development Fund
Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson, Qazaq Green RES Association
Pavel Saakyan, Founder, Terra Energy LLC
Hayk Shekyan, Founder & CEO, Shtigen Armenia
Moderator: Dr. Yury Melnikov, Senior Advisor, eclareon
Speakers:
Murman Margvelashvili, World Experience for Georgia, Founder and Board Member
Anuki Batiashvili, Head of International Relations Department, Georgian Energy Development Fund
Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson, Qazaq Green RES Association
Pavel Saakyan, Founder, Terra Energy LLC
Hayk Shekyan, Founder & CEO, Shtigen Armenia
16:15 – 17:45
Breakout Session 6: Innovating with renewables and energy efficiency: Transforming industry and agriculture
This session will explore the transformative potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the industrial and agricultural sectors of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Successful examples from the region will be shocased where renewable energy solutions have been integrated into industrial and agricultural practices, improving productivity and efficiency. These real-world examples will illustrate how businesses, farmers, and industries are leveraging renewables to enhance operations, reduce costs, and contribute to climate resilience.
Moderator: Marina Kudriavceva, Director General, PcVue Caucasus and Central Asia / ARC Informatique, Armenia
Speakers:
Representative, KNAUF Georgia
Guram Avkopashvili, Director, Association of Bolnisi Small Wineries
Natalie Kvachantiradze, Director, Georgian Tourism Association
Irakli Sadunishvili, CO2/AFR Projects Consultant
HeidelbergCement Caucasus Ltd
Moderator: Marina Kudriavceva, Director General, PcVue Caucasus and Central Asia / ARC Informatique, Armenia
Speakers:
Representative, KNAUF Georgia
Guram Avkopashvili, Director, Association of Bolnisi Small Wineries
Natalie Kvachantiradze, Director, Georgian Tourism Association
Irakli Sadunishvili, CO2/AFR Projects Consultant
HeidelbergCement Caucasus Ltd
17:45 – 18:00
Closing of Day 1
Day 2: Initiatives and Best Practices
Friday, October 4
Simultaneous translation English-Russian
08:30 – 09:30
Registration
9:30 – 11:00
Panel 3: Joined initiatives to enable the green energy transition
This panel will highlight initiatives that are driving the green energy transition in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Panelists will present case studies on partnerships and successful projects, emphasizing the role of cross-sector cooperation in overcoming challenges and accelerating the shift towards sustainable energy systems. Lessons learnt from Germany will also be included in the discussion.
Moderator: George Kekelidze, EUROSOLAR Georgia
Speakers:
Maka Zhorzholiani, NCP for Clusters 5,6, Horizon Europe National Office of Georgia
Levan Devadze, Solumn Energy, Georgia
Irakli Ubilava, Partner, Ohm Energy Georgia
Syrynbet Idrisov, Director, Soventus Energy, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Marita Arabidze, Representative of Georgia at IRENA
Moderator: George Kekelidze, EUROSOLAR Georgia
Speakers:
Maka Zhorzholiani, NCP for Clusters 5,6, Horizon Europe National Office of Georgia
Levan Devadze, Solumn Energy, Georgia
Irakli Ubilava, Partner, Ohm Energy Georgia
Syrynbet Idrisov, Director, Soventus Energy, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Marita Arabidze, Representative of Georgia at IRENA
11:00 – 11:15
Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:45
Breakout Session 7: Building climate resilient municipalities: engaging citizens, businesses and local governments
This breakout session will explore the critical role of capacity building and community engagement in developing climate-resilient municipalities facing numerous challenges, from overcoming policy and implementation obstacles to addressing gaps in knowledge and capacity. This session will examine the key barriers as well as successful examples of municipalities that have effectively implemented projects at the municipal level, identifying valuable lessons that can be adapted and scaled to benefit other communities.
Moderator: Caroline Heidtmann, eclareon
Speakers:
Olga Weigel, Head of Project, Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ Armenia)
Nino Janelidze, Advisor for Demonstration Projects, Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ Georgia)
George Abulashvili, Director, Energy efficiency Centre Georgia
Moderator: Caroline Heidtmann, eclareon
Speakers:
Olga Weigel, Head of Project, Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ Armenia)
Nino Janelidze, Advisor for Demonstration Projects, Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ Georgia)
George Abulashvili, Director, Energy efficiency Centre Georgia
11:15 – 12:45
Breakout Session 8: Solar Universities: networking, academic education and projects
This session will explore opportunities for synergy between universities in the South Caucasus and Central Asia to promote the energy transition, focusing on solar and renewable energy. Key topics include adapting educational programs, developing joint research projects with industry partners, and fostering student engagement. Emphasis will be on interdisciplinary and international collaboration, building partnerships with companies to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and positioning academic institutions as leaders in this process by aligning curricula and research to meet the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.
Moderator: Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
«The role of universities in realising energy transition goals on the example of the international Solar Universities Project»
Speakers:
Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
Alexey Kobzev, Head of Green Energy and Climate Change Lab, Kazakh-German University Almaty, Kazakhstan
Dr. Siyavush Azakov, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan
Dr. Turukmen Zhabudaev, Professor, Head of the Department Renewable Energy Sources, Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I.Razzakov, Kyrgyzstan
Dr. Isroil Yuldashev, Professor, Head of Department "Alternative energy sources", Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan
Dr. Grigol Khelidze, Professor, Faculty of Power Engineering, Georgian Technical University
Moderator: Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
«The role of universities in realising energy transition goals on the example of the international Solar Universities Project»
Speakers:
Dr. Alexander Kirjuchin, ideas into energy GmbH
Alexey Kobzev, Head of Green Energy and Climate Change Lab, Kazakh-German University Almaty, Kazakhstan
Dr. Siyavush Azakov, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, Baku Higher Oil School, Azerbaijan
Dr. Turukmen Zhabudaev, Professor, Head of the Department Renewable Energy Sources, Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I.Razzakov, Kyrgyzstan
Dr. Isroil Yuldashev, Professor, Head of Department "Alternative energy sources", Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan
Dr. Grigol Khelidze, Professor, Faculty of Power Engineering, Georgian Technical University
12:45 – 13:00
Closing Session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch & networking
Organizers
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Event Location
Tbilisi Marriott Hotel
13 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108
13 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108
For registered participants, we have arranged room contingents at greatly reduced rates! You will receive further information on this after registration.
ENABLING PV is supported by Federal Foreign Office