Electricity in Armenia in 2022

In 2022, Armenia generated a total of roughly 8.77 TWh of electricity, with more than half coming from low-carbon sources. Specifically, 4.96 TWh came from clean energy sources, such as nuclear and hydropower, with nuclear contributing 2.63 TWh and hydropower providing 2 TWh. Fossil fuels, predominantly gas, accounted for the remaining 3.81 TWh. When compared to the global average electricity consumption of 432 watts per person, the per capita electricity generation and consumption in Armenia are significantly lower. Low levels of electricity generation can lead to various issues, including limited economic growth, reduced quality of life, and constraints on industrial and technological development.

Suggestions

Armenia can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its nuclear capacity, as this technology already forms a significant portion of its current low-carbon energy mix. Looking at the success stories around the world, Armenia can learn from countries like France and Russia, which generate 336 TWh and 217 TWh from nuclear energy, respectively. The United States, producing 775 TWh from nuclear, demonstrates an advanced capability in nuclear technology that Armenia could seek to emulate. Additionally, countries like Germany and China have massively scaled up their wind and solar capacities, with China generating 886 TWh from wind and 584 TWh from solar. By following these examples, Armenia can significantly increase its clean energy output and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Armenia, the early 1990s saw significant changes. In 1992, hydropower grew by 1.5 TWh and by another 1.2 TWh in 1993, but faced declines of 0.8 TWh and 1.6 TWh in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Nuclear energy began to substantially contribute in 1996, with an increase of 2 TWh, although it saw a brief decline in 1997 by 0.7 TWh. The late 1990s stabilized with nuclear adding another 0.7 TWh in 1999. Hydropower experienced modest gains in 2002 and 2003, contributing 0.7 TWh and 0.3 TWh, while nuclear energy saw steady increases in the early 2000s. However, some fluctuations were observed in 2016 and 2018 with minor declines. Recent years show renewed growth, with nuclear power adding 0.8 TWh in 2022, indicating a strong upward trend in clean energy development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources