In the period between April 2025 and March 2026, Armenia's electricity consumption exhibited a commendable preference for low-carbon energy sources, accounting for just over 62% of total electricity production. Nuclear energy constituted almost a third of that low-carbon electricity, with a share of about 29%. Hydropower contributed a bit more than a quarter at 25%, while solar energy accounted for approximately 8%. Meanwhile, fossil fuels, specifically natural gas, made up the remaining 38% of electricity generation. The prevalence of low-carbon sources shows Armenia's serious commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable energy solutions, although the reliance on fossil fuels remains notable and concerning.

Is Electricity Growing in Armenia?

Despite Armenia's dedication to low-carbon electricity generation, the overall trajectory of electricity consumption in the country reveals a decline. At 3,405 kWh per person in 2026, electricity consumption has dropped from its historic high of 3,522 kWh per person in 2024. This decrease highlights a worrying trend, as accommodating the demands of a modernizing society and electrification efforts becomes more challenging. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation saw a downturn, falling from a record of 2,268 kWh per person in 2024 to 2,123 kWh per person in 2026. These declines underscore the need for immediate and strategic actions to boost Armenia's electricity generation capacity, particularly in the realm of clean energy.

Suggestions

To enhance Armenia's low-carbon electricity generation, an expansion of the current nuclear infrastructure is a logical step, given its already substantial contribution to the energy mix. Additionally, diversifying the energy portfolio by further investing in solar energy could prove beneficial. Learning from successful regions, Armenia might draw inspiration from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy represents a significant portion of electricity at over 65%. For solar power, states like Nevada and California serve as examples, each generating over 30% of their electricity from solar sources. By following these models, Armenia can escalate its production of clean electricity, curbing reliance on fossil fuels, and advancing towards a greener future.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Armenia has been marked by significant shifts over the decades. In the early 1990s, hydropower witnessed growth before experiencing a noticeable downturn. The mid-1990s to early 2000s were characterized by a variable nuclear energy output, with substantial gains in 1996. In the subsequent years, the country's nuclear capacity saw expansions but also some setbacks, notably in 2016 and 2021. Despite these fluctuations, nuclear power remained a pivotal component of Armenia's clean energy landscape. More recently, from 2020 onwards, incremental gains in both hydro and nuclear outputs indicate a commitment to strengthening the role of low-carbon sources, laying a foundational path towards a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.