“We have serious problems in the energy sector. These problems have their own history, they have been accumulating over the years, and recently they have become very visible. Since 2012, there are documents in which all this is reflected. Energy executives warned that a crisis was coming and that drastic measures must be taken to rebuild the power system. ... This has always required a lot of money, and now it requires even more investment. The problem was indicated, but decisions on where to get the money and on what conditions were not made, ” President said.
The same measures that were carried out under the Investment Program, namely, the restoration of individual components of the energy sector (overhaul of substations and individual sections of power lines) do not solve the problem as a whole.
“It will take about 5 billion rubles just to work in a trouble-free mode. Over time, we will often turn off the light, the voltage will not be of the same quality. We will not be able to develop the economy without electricity. We have no alternative sources. A large project is being implemented in Eastern Abkhazia, a tourist complex is being built, and three megawatts of electricity are needed there, but there are no such capacities. All Eastern Abkhazia of our country is empty. Energy capacities are much needed," the head of state stated.
In February and March 2021, repairs are to be carried out in the Ingur HPP derivation tunnel.
“During the repair work at the Ingur hydroelectric power station, we will need Russia's help. There has been reached an agreement on the flow of electricity. But certain details need to be discussed. Yesterday we were visited by energy specialists who have already visited the station, checked the water level. There are things that require clarification, ” President said.
Aslan Bzhania stressed that none of the current leaders of Abkhazia is going to sell electricity facilities.
“We have never used such a term, and it can be verified. We need investment. We will have to discuss under what conditions we will receive them. When we are faced with a choice: to have light, or not to have, to have light that will cost certain money, it will be easier for us to make a choice. Life will force. The time will come when it will be necessary to face the truth, and we must be ready for this. We will act in this vein together with the parliament, we will listen to the opinion of our public, we will prioritize the interests of our population, ” Bzhania said.
President also touched upon the topic of illegal mining of cryptocurrencies and said that active work is underway to identify mining farms and disconnect them from power grids.