Georgian Technical University Hosts Meeting with Energy Industry Representatives

Georgian Technical University organized by the Faculty of Power Engineering, hosted an extended meeting. Held under the slogan “Education, Industry, and Shared Responsibility,” the meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC), government agencies, executives from leading energy companies, industry experts, researchers, academic staff, students, as well as representatives of energy regulatory bodies and more than 40 companies operating in the energy industry, including the renewable energy sector.

Participants discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the university and the energy sector, creating new research platforms, and introducing innovative technologies and internationally recognized best practices into engineering education and research.

The meeting was opened by GTU Vice-Rector Professor Tamar Tsereteli, who emphasized that a modern university is no longer merely an educational institution but a key driver of innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable economic development.

“We are pleased to host a meeting that brings together representatives of academia, government institutions, and leaders of the energy industry. I would also like to convey the best wishes of the Rector of Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze. A modern university is no longer considered just an educational institution – it is one of the main guarantors of innovation, technological progress, and a sustainable economy. Today, a successful university is one that works closely with industry and responds effectively to the evolving needs of the economy.

The experience of the world’s leading technical universities clearly demonstrates that competitive engineering education cannot be achieved without active cooperation with industry. High-quality education in the energy sector requires far more than theoretical knowledge. Students need access to modern laboratories, advanced research infrastructure, digital simulation technologies, and opportunities to gain practical experience in real industrial environments.

Georgia’s energy sector is currently undergoing rapid transformation. Renewable energy is expanding, investment in solar, wind, and hydropower projects continues to grow, and increasing attention is being given to energy storage systems, smart grids, energy efficiency, and digital technologies. Under these circumstances, Georgian Technical University has a special responsibility to educate professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s energy sector. That is why the university places great importance on strengthening partnerships with industry, implementing joint educational and research initiatives, and creating an environment where knowledge, innovation, and practical experience complement one another.”

– Professor Tamar Tsereteli

Professor Ketevan Kutateladze, Dean of the Faculty of Power Engineering, also addressed the audience, emphasizing that the university’s strategic goal is to establish the faculty as a leading center for modern engineering education and applied research closely connected with the country’s energy sector.

“Effective cooperation with industry is essential for the future development of engineering education. Today, collaboration between universities and industry is no longer optional – it is a prerequisite for preparing highly qualified professionals and supporting the technological advancement of the country. Such cooperation will allow us to align our educational programs with market demands as much as possible and offer students the knowledge and skills that will determine their professional success.

Our objective is to develop the Faculty of Power Engineering into a center of excellence for engineering education and applied research, which will be closely linked to the real energy sector. To achieve this goal, we will further expand our educational and research laboratories, create new joint research platforms, enhance practice-oriented learning, increase internship.

We are especially encouraged by the growing interest of our students in research. This year, 81 students from the Faculty of Power Engineering are participating in the university’s 90th International Scientific Conference of Students – significantly more than in previous years. This trend demonstrates the increasing enthusiasm of young people for science, research, and innovation, which will contribute substantially to the future development of Georgia’s energy sector.

We sincerely thank our partner companies, to each partner who shares the importance of cooperation with the university and is ready to participate in the formation of future energy specialists, engineers, and researchers, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission for their continued cooperation and support. We are confident that close collaboration between the university, industry, and the state will strengthen the preparation of highly qualified specialists while promoting the development and implementation of innovative technologies. Our vision is for the Faculty of Power Engineering to become a space where science, education, and industry work together to shape Georgia’s energy future.”

– Professor Ketevan Kutateladze

Representatives of government institutions and the energy industry also expressed their support for Georgian Technical University and its Faculty of Power Engineering. Among the speakers were Omar Tsereteli, Deputy Head of the Department of Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Policy and Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Elene Lagvilava, Executive Director of the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC); Nino Guleishvili, Acting Energy Ombudsman; Vano Zardiashvili, Director General of the Georgian State Electrosystem; Mamuka Kobalia, Technical Director of Telasi; Zurab Sikharulidze, Head of the High-Voltage Network Operations Department at ENERGO-PRO Georgia; Giorgi Mirtskhulava, Managing Director of BEMON; Gocha Museliani, Director of NC Group; Maia Melikidze, Executive Director of the Georgian Renewable Energy Development Association (GREDA); and other guests.

As part of the event, Georgian Technical University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives of more than 40 energy companies. The memorandum was signed by GTU Vice-Rector Professor Tamar Tsereteli and representatives of the participating companies, marking an important step toward expanding cooperation between the university and the energy industry.

The meeting also addressed current challenges facing Georgia’s energy sector, possible solutions, and future development prospects. As noted at the meeting, cooperation between the university and industry will continue in a working format. Following the meeting, guests toured the Faculty of Power Engineering’s modern teaching and research laboratories, where they were introduced to the faculty’s advanced technical infrastructure and laboratory facilities. Professor Giorgi Arziani presented the faculty’s research infrastructure, educational resources, and future development priorities.