How has Armenia restructured its energy sector?

Prompted by a severe electricity supply crisis in the mid-1990s, Armenia has revamped its energy sector over the past 20 years. Parts of the sector have been privatised, some companies have been restructured, most households now have access to gas, and cost-reflective tariffs have been introduced.

How does Armenia generate electricity?

Most of the rest of Armenia's electricity is generated by the natural gas-fired thermal power plants in Yerevan (completed in 2010) and Hrazdan. Upon gaining independence, Armenia signed the European Energy Charter in December 1991, the charter is now known as the Energy Charter Treaty which promotes integration of global energy markets.

Does Armenia have a surplus electricity sector?

The Armenian electrical energy sector has had a surplus capacity ever since emerging from a severe post-Soviet crisis in the mid-1990s, thanks to the reopening of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which was built in 1979 and supplies over 40% of the country's electricity.

What percentage of Armenia's Energy is renewable?

Renewable energy resources, including hydro, represented 7.1% of Armenia’s energy mix in 2020. Almost one-third of the country’s electricity generation (30% in 2021) came from renewable sources. Forming the foundation of Armenia’s renewable energy system as of 6 January 2022 were 189 small, private HPPs (under 30 MW), mostly constructed since 2007.

Why does Armenia need a single energy supplier?

Armenia relies on imports of natural gas and oil for most of its energy needs, which exposes it to supply risks and dependence on a single supplier. As the government considers energy security and the development of indigenous sources to be of prime importance for the energy sector, renewables and efficiency measures are key areas.

How much energy does Armenia produce in 2021?

In 2021, Armenia produced 7.7 TWh of electricity, of which natural gas covered 44% (3.4 TWh), hydro and other renewables 30% (2.3 TWh) and nuclear 26% (2.0 TWh). In the Caucasus region, Armenia is the only country producing nuclear energy. Armenia’s energy demand averages more than 3 Mtoe (3.59 Mtoe in 2020).