In 2024, Armenia's electricity consumption demonstrates a commendable commitment to low-carbon energy sources, with these sources constituting almost 59% of its electricity supply. Nuclear energy is a dominant player in this mix, providing roughly a third of the total electricity, which not only exemplifies Armenia's investment in dependable low-carbon solutions but also sets a promising precedent for further expansion in this field. Hydropower contributes more than a fifth of the electricity supply, while solar energy, although still a modest slice at over 5%, signifies a growing potential for future development. In contrast, fossil fuels, specifically gas, still account for just over 40% of electricity generation, highlighting the ongoing challenge of reducing reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources to combat climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Armenia?
Despite the significant share of clean electricity in Armenia's energy portfolio, the overall electricity consumption per capita remains on a slightly downward trend. The latest figure showcases a per capita consumption of 3043 kWh, marking a decline from the 1990 record of 3176 kWh per person. This contraction of 133 kWh underscores the need for expanded electricity generation to keep up with modern demands, such as electrification and AI technologies. On a brighter note, the country's per capita low-carbon electricity generation increased to 1789 kWh, setting a new record compared to 2022. This growth by 46 kWh is a positive indicator of progress in sustainable energy production, though it also highlights areas where further improvements can be pursued.
Suggestions
To enhance the generation of low-carbon electricity, Armenia can leverage its strengths in nuclear energy by expanding its existing infrastructure. Learning from exemplary countries within Europe that have achieved high nuclear energy generation percentages, such as France and Slovakia with nuclear providing more than two-thirds of their electricity, Armenia can bolster its nuclear capacity further. Additionally, exploring regions like Nevada, Lebanon, and California, where solar energy constitutes a significant portion, over 30% of the electricity mix, can offer Armenia valuable insights into maximizing its solar potential. With strategic investments and policies, Armenia can further shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future, reducing its dependency on gas and other fossil fuels significantly.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Armenia, the early 1990s were marked by fluctuations in hydropower production, with significant increases in 1992 and 1993, followed by consecutive declines through the mid-1990s. During this period, the country initiated nuclear energy production, which became a pivotal component of the electricity mix by the late 1990s. The early 2000s saw gradual improvements in both nuclear and hydroelectric output, contributing positively to the overall electricity generation. However, several setbacks were experienced, particularly in nuclear energy, with declines in 2016 and 2018 being followed by a resurgence in 2022. As Armenia navigates its energy transition, these historical insights underscore the value of expanding reliable nuclear and solar power infrastructures to ensure consistent growth in sustainable electricity production.
