Armenia's current state of electricity consumption reveals a commendable push towards low-carbon energy sources. As of 2024, low-carbon electricity constitutes almost 59% of the country's total electricity generation. This is comprised primarily of nuclear energy, which alone accounts for nearly a third of the total, along with significant contributions from hydropower at approximately 21% and solar energy making up more than 5%. The remaining 40% of Armenia's electricity comes from fossil fuels, with gas being the major contributor. The clean energy transition is visible though there remains room for improvement, particularly in reducing reliance on fossil-based electricity to combat climate change and improve air quality.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Armenia?
Analyzing the growth of electricity consumption in Armenia, it appears there is a slight decline in overall electricity use compared to its historic peak. The latest data indicates electricity consumption at 2998 kWh/person, a decrease of 178 kWh/person from the highest recorded consumption in 1990. Despite this drop in total electricity consumption, progress is being made in boosting low-carbon electricity, which has reached 1765 kWh/person from the previous record of 1743 kWh/person in 2022. This growth in clean electricity, though modest, showcases Armenia’s commitment to greener sources despite the overall stagnation in electricity use. To accommodate future demand, continuous growth in electricity generation, especially from low-carbon sources, is crucial.
Suggestions
To further propel Armenia's low-carbon electricity generation, expanding nuclear capacity is a practical approach, considering its significant current contribution. Successful regions could provide a model for Armenia; for instance, France, which generates 70% of its electricity from nuclear, and Slovakia with 66%, exemplify nuclear's potential. On solar energy, regions like Nevada, where solar accounts for 33% of electricity, demonstrate the viability of solar expansion. Combining insights from these regions can inform efforts in Armenia to bolster its clean electricity capacity, focusing on increasing both nuclear and solar generation to ensure sustainable growth in electricity supply.
History
The historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Armenia, especially during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, shows fluctuations that are pivotal to understanding current dynamics. Significant growth in hydroelectric power occurred in the early 1990s, while the mid-1990s marked a prominent increase in nuclear electricity generation. However, the subsequent decades saw inconsistent trends with notable declines, particularly in nuclear electricity, raising concerns about energy planning. Fortunately, recent years have seen a return to growth in nuclear energy. Such shifts highlight the importance of stable and strategic investment in Armenia’s low-carbon infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.
