Does Armenia have solar energy?

Armenia has significant solar energy potential: average annual solar energy flow per square metre of horizontal surface is 1 720 kWh (the European average is 1 000 kWh), and one-quarter of the country’s territory is endowed with solar energy resources of 1 850 kWh/m 2 per year. Solar thermal energy is therefore developing rapidly in Armenia.

What will Armenia's Energy Strategy look like in 2021?

The 2021 Energy Strategy considers maximum use of the country’s renewable energy potential to be a key policy priority. The Armenian government expects solar PV capacity to reach 100 MW by 2024 and 1 000 MW by 2030, and at that point to account for at least 15% of total generation. Some increase in wind is also expected.

What is Armenia's energy system?

Armenia’s energy system depends primarily on natural gas, nuclear and hydroelectricity. Natural gas is by far the largest contributor to total energy supply (TES), as well as the main energy carrier in total final consumption (TFC). Since the transport sector depends primarily on natural gas, the importance of oil in the economy is relatively low.

How is Armenia transforming its power generation mix?

Armenia is making progress in further diversifying its power generation mix, particularly by aiming to build significant solar PV capacity. Armenia’s 2021 Energy Strategy calls for up to 1 000 MW of solar PV capacity by 2030, at which point grid-connected solar is expected to account for 15% of generation.

How much energy does Armenia need?

It has been an observer to the Energy Community since 2011 and a member of the Eastern Partnership since 2009. Although Armenia’s energy demand averages more than 3 Mtoe (3.59 Mtoe in 2020) and the country does not produce any fossil fuels, it manages to cover 27% of energy demand with domestic energy production.

Why does Armenia need a nuclear power plant?

Armenia depends on imports to meet much of its energy needs, particularly natural gas from the Russian Federation. It is one of the few ex-Soviet republics to avoid significant energy subsidies, and it is the only country in the Caucasus region to possess a nuclear power plant.