As of 2024, Armenia has a commendable proportion of low-carbon electricity generation, accounting for slightly more than 60% of its total electricity consumption. The clean energy composition is diverse: nuclear power dominates the low-carbon sector, contributing almost a third of the total electricity. Hydropower follows with around one-fifth, while solar energy, a burgeoning sector, provides nearly 10%. In contrast, fossil energy, entirely derived from gas, represents close to 40% of the electricity mix. This significant reliance on fossil fuel is concerning due to its association with climate change and air pollution, highlighting the need for continued transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Armenia?
Examining current trends in electricity consumption in Armenia reveals a rather disheartening picture. The latest per-person consumption is 3029 kWh, marking a decrease of more than 11% compared to the peak in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has dropped by about 12.5% since 2022. These declines reflect setbacks in the country's journey toward greater electrification and cleaner energy transition. To ensure Armenia is on track to meet burgeoning future demands and environmental goals, reversing this trend is crucial, especially by augmenting low-carbon electricity generation.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Armenia could benefit from leveraging its existing nuclear infrastructure. Successful strategies from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes significantly to the electricity supply (over 60% and almost 70% respectively), demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of expanding nuclear capacities. Simultaneously, Armenia can look to solar advancements seen in places like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar power makes up 31% and 29% of their energy mix, respectively. By following these paths, Armenia can capitalize on abundant solar resources and strengthen its clean energy portfolio, aligning with its sustainable energy objectives and reducing its reliance on gas.
History
Historically, the development of low-carbon electricity in Armenia has seen both highs and lows. In the early 1990s, hydropower significantly increased, adding 1.5 TWh in 1992 and 1.2 TWh in 1993. However, by the mid-1990s, a troubling decline ensued. The nuclear sector experienced a notable rise in 1996 but faced inconsistency in subsequent years, with fluctuations in generation. More recently, the beginning of the 2020s witnessed slightly positive changes with a modest nuclear increase in 2022. Nevertheless, the trend in hydropower shows concerning declines, especially with a reduction of 1.2 TWh in 2023. Addressing these inconsistencies and fostering robust growth in low-carbon electricity will be key in shaping a stable and sustainable energy future for Armenia.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.