Electricity in Armenia in 2022

In 2022, Armenia saw its electricity consumption primarily split between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the nation's electricity came from low-carbon sources, amounting to nearly 57%. The bulk of this clean energy was provided by nuclear power, which alone accounted for about 30% of the electricity mix. Hydropower followed closely, contributing approximately 23%. Solar power, while the smallest of the low-carbon contributors, provided nearly 4% of the country's electricity. On the other hand, fossil energy was responsible for 43% of electricity consumption, all of which came from gas-powered sources. This blend reflects a noteworthy but incomplete transition towards greener electricity, highlighting Armenia's significant reliance on clean energy yet underscoring the need to further reduce dependency on fossil fuels due to their environmental and health impacts.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Armenia should prioritize the expansion of its existing nuclear energy infrastructure. With nuclear power already providing a large proportion of its clean energy, scaling up this technology would be an efficient path towards reducing fossil energy dependence. Armenia can learn from the success of countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes a significant portion of electricity production, with shares of 67% and 60%, respectively. Furthermore, diversifying the clean energy portfolio by integrating more solar installations could be beneficial, particularly drawing inspiration from countries with high solar capabilities per capita, such as Greece, which harnesses 22% of its electricity from solar power. Utilizing a mix of nuclear expansion and solar growth can lead Armenia toward a sustainable and independent electricity generation system.

History

A look at the historical context of Armenia's low-carbon electricity generation paints an interesting picture. In the early 1990s, the country saw significant fluctuations in hydroelectric power generation, with notable increases in 1992 and 1993, followed by declines in subsequent years. The late 1990s marked an era of progression for nuclear energy, beginning with a substantial boost in 1996. However, this was not without challenges; there were periods of slight setbacks, notably in 1997 and throughout the 2010s, highlighting the importance of strong, consistent policies to maintain and grow nuclear capacity. Despite this, modest growth was observed in years like 1999 and 2022. Hydropower also saw varied changes during this period, with occasional increases as seen in 2002 and 2010, juxtaposed with declines in some subsequent years. This historical insight emphasizes the vitality of steady investment and strategic planning in Armenia's journey towards achieving a fully sustainable electricity framework.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources