Energy in Armenia is mostly fromnatural gas.[1]Armenia has no proven reserves of oil ornatural gas and currently imports most of its gas fromRussia. TheIran-Armenia Natural Gas Pipeline has the capacity to equal imports from Russia.[2]
Despite a lack of fossil fuel, there are significant domestic resources to generateelectricity in Armenia. 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 theMetsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which was built in 1979 and supplies over 40% of the country's electricity.[3] Armenia has plans to build a newnuclear power plant in order to replace the aging and dangerous[4] Metsamor, possibly asmall modular reactor.[5] The country also has eleven hydroelectric power plants and has plans to build a geothermal power plant inSyunik. Most of the rest of Armenia's electricity is generated by the natural gas-fired thermal power plants inYerevan (completed in 2010) andHrazdan.
Upon gaining independence, Armenia signed the European Energy Charter in December 1991, the charter is now known as theEnergy Charter Treaty which promotes integration of global energy markets.[6] Armenia is also a partner country of theEUINOGATE energy programme, which has four key topics: enhancingenergy security,convergence of member stateenergy markets on the basis ofEU internal energy market principles, supportingsustainable energy development, and attractinginvestment for energy projects of common and regional interest.[7] Since 2011, Armenia holds observer member status in the EU'sEnergy Community.
Before the USSR collapsed, oil imports made up about half of Armenia's primary energy supply of 8000 ktoe (compare to 3100 ktoe in 2016).[8][9]
Back then, oil made its way to Armenia via a direct rail link from Armenia-Georgia-Russia, but since theAbkhazia-Georgia border is closed fuel is transported across the Black Sea to Georgia from where it makes its way to Armenia via rail cars. Further restriction to Armenian oil imports represents economic blockade maintained byAzerbaijan to the East, andTurkey to the West. The blockade began shortly after the outbreak of theFirst Nagorno-Karabakh War and was upheld ever since, despite a cease fire agreement in 1994.[10]
Armenia was ranked 43rd among 125 countries at Energy Trilemma Index in 2018.[11] The index ranks countries on their ability to provide sustainable energy through 3 dimensions: Energy security, Energy equity (accessibility and affordability), Environmental sustainability.
Total primary energy supply in Armenia in 2016 amounted to 3025 ktoe (1000 tonnes of oil equivalent).[9] This roughly matches or surpasses production of previous years.[8] TPES included Production (963 ktoe), Imports (2235 ktoe), Exports (-122 ktoe), International Marine Bunkers (0 ktoe), International Aviation Bunkers (-45 ktoe), Stock Changes (-5 ktoe). Armenia's Total Final Consumption is 2120 (ktoe), Losses -180 (ktoe), Industry 320 (ktoe), Transport 622 (ktoe) and Residential 786 (ktoe).
Armenia has no proven oil or gas reserves. Earlier explorations failed to deliver satisfactory results in the past .
In 2018 new permits for oil and gas exploration were issued to Tashir Group affiliated companies.[12][13][14]
According toStatistical Committee of Armenia no oil was imported in 2016, but rather its refinement products.[9]
Armenian and Iranian authorities have for years been discussing an oil pipeline (distinct from the existing Iran-Armenia natural gas pipeline) that will pump Iranian oil products to Armenia. As of early 2011, no concrete dates have been set for the construction.[15] Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisian has said that the construction will take two years and cost Armenia about $100 million.[15] Earlier Iran's oil minister said that the 365-kilometer pipeline could go on stream by 2014.[15] Iran plans to export 1.5 million liters of gasoline and diesel fuel a day to Armenia through the pipeline; Armenia's annual demand for refined oil products stands at around 400,000 metric tons.[15]
Natural gas represents a large portion of total energy consumption in Armenia, accounting for 50% and is the primary means of winter heating in the country.
Gazprom Armenia (owned by the Russian gas giantGazprom) owns the natural gas pipeline network within Armenia and holds a monopoly over the import and distribution of natural gas to consumers and businesses.
Armenia'sthermal power stations (which supply approximately 24% of its electricity) run on natural gas, making Armenia (at the present time) dependent on imported Russian gas.[16][obsolete source]
The Russian gas export monopolyGazprom supplies Armenia with gas through a pipeline that runs through Georgia.[17] In 2007, Gazprom provided Armenia with just under 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas. As a transit fee, Armenia paysGeorgia approximately 10% of the gas that was destined to reach Armenia.[18] Russian natural gas supplies to Georgia and Armenia are provided by two main pipelines: the North Caucasus-Transcaucasus pipeline (1,200 mm diameter) and theMozdok-Tbilisi pipeline (700 mm diameter).[19]
In 2008, Armenia imported 2.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia.[20]
A new gas pipeline, theIran-Armenia Natural Gas Pipeline, was completed in October, 2008. It is owned and operated byGazprom Armenia and links Armenia to neighboringIran, which has the world's second largest natural gas reserve after Russia.[21] It has a capacity to pump 2.3-2.5 billion cubic meters of Iranian gas per year. TheArmenian Ministry of Energy said in 2008 that it "does not yet have a need" for Iranian gas.[22] Analysts said that Armenia's reluctance to import Iranian gas was a result of pressure from Russia which maintains a monopoly over Armenia's natural gas market.[22]
Gazprom wholly owns a crucial 24-mile section of the pipeline which Armenia surrendered in exchange for natural gas supplies from Russia at prices well below the European average until 2009. According to an analyst, Armenia "effectively bargained away its future prospects for energy sources in return for cheaper prices now." While Armenia could diversify its gas supply, with control of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, Gazprom now controls the competitors' supply.[21]
In 2009 Armenia was importing 1-1.5 million cubic meters of Iranian natural gas, paying for this by electricity exports.[20]
Armenia receives about 370 million cubic meters of gas a year from Iran, which is converted into electricity and is sent back to Iran.[23]
Gas from Turkmenistan might be supplied via Iran.[24]
According to the agreements reached in 2017 byKarapetyan government gas import price stands at $150 for one thousand cubic meters throughout year 2018.[25] Gazprom Armenia sells it to Armenian households at almost $300.[26]
Since 1996 three main energy sources for electricity generation in Armenia were natural gas, nuclear power and hydropower.[27]
Despite a lack of fossil fuel, Armenia has significant domestic electricity generation resources. In 2006, non-thermal domestic electricity generation accounted for 76% of total generation: 43% nuclear and 33% hydroelectric. In comparison, in 2002, these numbers were 56%, 32%, and 26%.
In 2006, Armenia's power plants generated a total of 5,940.9 million KWh of electricity of which 5,566.7 million KWh were delivered (374.2 million KWh – or 6.3% – was consumed by the producing plants).[28] Thus, in 2006, Armenia's power plantson average generated 678.2 MW of power, while the country's electricity consumption rateon average was 635.5 MW.
Armenia has a total of 11 power stations and 17 220 kV substations. A map of Armenia's National Electricity Transmission Grid can be found at the website of the Global Energy Network Institute here[2].
.jpg)
Nuclear power provides 38% of the electricity in Armenia through one operating nuclear reactor, Unit 2 ofMetsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which is aWWER-440 reactor with extra seismic reinforcement.[29] It was created in 1976 and is the only nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus. However, after theSpitak earthquake in 1988, the nuclear power plant's operation was forced to stop,[30] becoming one of the causes of theArmenian energy crisis of 1990's. The second unit of the NPP was restarted in October 1995, putting an end to the 'dark and cold years'.
While Armenia is the sole owner of the plant, the Russian companyUnited Energy Systems (UES) manages the Metsamor NPP. Nuclear fuel must be flown in from Russia.
A modernization of NPP is scheduled for 2018, which will enhance the safety and increase installed capacity by 40-50 MW.[31]
Armenia also explores the possibilities of small modular reactor that would give flexibility and the opportunity to build a new nuclear power plant in a short time.[31]
Earlier it was reported that Armenia is looking for a new reactor with 1060 MW capacity in 2026.[32]
Armenia operatesone Soviet-designed VVER-440 nuclear unit at Metsamor, which supplies over 40% of the country's energy needs. The EU and Turkey have expressed concern about the continuing operation of the plant. The Armenian energy minister has announced that a US$2 billion feasibility study of a new 1,000 MWenuclear power plant is to be carried out in cooperation with Russia, the United States and theIAEA. Russia has agreed to build the plant in return for minority ownership of it. Furthermore, the USA has signalled its commitment to help Armenia with preliminary studies.
Armenia'sMetsamor Nuclear Power Plant has an installed capacity of 815 MW, though only one unit of 407.5 MW is currently in operation.[33]
Because Turkey, despite itsWTO obligation, blockades Armenian borders, nuclear fuel is flown in from Russia.[34][clarification needed] Used fuel is sent back to Russia.[citation needed]
Armenia signed a cooperation agreement with theEuropean Organization for Nuclear Research in March 1994.[35] Since 2018, Armenia has also had a cooperation agreement with theEuropean Atomic Energy Community.[36]
Metsamor nuclear power plant provides more than 40 percent of power in Armenia; however, it is aging and will need to be replaced soon. It has received much financing for modernizing its systems and safety features.[37] Russia has extended a loan of $270 million and a $30 million grant for extending the lifetime of Metsamor NPP in 2015, which will be coming to an end in 2016. The funds are to be provided for 15 years with a 5-year grace period and an interest rate of annually 3%.[38]
Plans for building a new nuclear power plant have been discussed. In July 2014, the energy minister of Russian Federation announced that Russia is willing to provide US$4.5 billion out of US$5 billion needed for construction of a new nuclear power plant.[39] In 2014, the construction of a new power plant was approved by the Armenian government, which was to be started in 2018.
During 2010–2017 thermal power plants (running on imported natural gas from Russia and Iran) provided about one-third of Armenia's electricity.[40]
Thermal power plants (running on natural gas) in Armenia have an established capacity of 1,756 MW.[33]
The following table lists thermal power plants which together account for 24% of Armenia's domestic electricity generation.[41]
| Plant | Year built | Operational capacity (MW) | 2019 electricity generation[42] (GWh) | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant | 1966–1974; 2012 | units 1-4: 1,110; unit 5: 480 | 467 (units 1-4); 378 (unit 5) | units 1-4: Hrazdan Power Company,[43] owned by the family ofSamvel Karapetyan; unit 5:Gazprom Armenia |
| Yerevan Thermal Power Plant | 1963–1967[44] | 550 | 1087 |
In April 2010, a new natural gas-fired thermal power plant was inaugurated in Yerevan, making it the first major energy facility built in the country since independence.[40] The plant will reportedly allow Armenia to considerably cut back on use of natural gas for electricity production, because officials say it will also be twice as efficient as the plant's decommissioned unit and four other Soviet-era facilities of its kind functioning in the central Armenian town of Hrazdan.[40] With a capacity of 242 megawatts, its gas-powered turbine will be able to generate approximately one-quarter of Armenia's current (as of 2010) electricity output.[40] The state-of-the-art plant was built in Yerevan in place of an obsolete facility with a $247 million loan provided by the Japanese government through theJapan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The long-term loan was disbursed to the Armenian government on concessional terms in 2007.[40]
Armenia's energy sector will expand further after the ongoing construction of the Hrazdan thermal plant's new and even more powerful Fifth Unit.[40] Russia's Gazprom monopoly acquired the incomplete facility in 2006 as part of a complex agreement with the Armenian government that raised its controlling stake in the Armenian gas distribution network to a commanding 80 percent. The Russian giant pledged to spend more than $200 million on finishing its protracted construction by 2011.[40]
The new Yerevan and Hrazdan TPP facilities will pave the way for large-scale Armenian imports of natural gas from neighboring Iran through a pipeline constructed in late 2008. Armenia began receiving modest amounts of Iranian gas in May 2009. With Russian gas essentially meeting its domestic needs, it is expected that the bulk of that gas will be converted into electricity and exported to the Islamic Republic.[45]
In late December 2010, the Armenian Energy Ministry announced that the fifth block of theHrazdan thermal power plant will go online by April 2011.[45] Although construction on the fifth block began in the late 1980s, the Armenian government tried to unsuccessfully finish it in the late 1990s. The current project is part of a 2006 deal between Gazprom and the Armenian government, in which Gazprom acquired the incomplete facility and increased its stake in Armenia's gas distribution network, in turn pledging to spend $200 million in completing the project by 2011.[45]
Hydro power plants provide 70 percent ofArmenia's renewable energy. Major HPP capacities are installed withinSevan-Hrazdan Cascade andVorotan Cascade.[48] Thehydropower potential of Armenia is reported to be 21.8 billion kWh.
As of 1 January 2018, electricity was generated by 184 small HPPs, with total installed capacity of 353 MW. In 2017 the generation of the electricity from small HPPs was around 862 million kW*h, which is about 11% of the total generated electricity in Armenia (7762 million kW*h). As of 1 January 2018, and according to the provided licenses, 36 additional SHPPs are under construction, with about total projected 69 MW capacity and 250 million kW*h electricity annual supply.[49][50]
The economically justified hydropower potential of Armenia is around 3.600GWh/year.[citation needed] From this amount, 1.500 GWh/year (or about 42% of economically justified hydropower potential) has been developed already.[51] Six of the plants are in the enclave ofNagorno-Karabakh.[52]
Solar energy is widely available inArmenia due to its geographical position and is considered a developing industry. In 2022 less than 2% ofArmenia’s electricity was generated bysolar power.[53]
The use of solar energy in Armenia is gradually increasing.[54] In 2019, theEuropean Union announced plans to assist Armenia towards developing its solar power capacity. The initiative has supported the construction of a power plant with 4,000 solar panels located inGladzor.[55]
Solar power potential inArmenia is 8 GW according to theEurasian Development Bank.[56] The reason for this is that averagesolar radiation in Armenia is almost 1700 kWh/m2 annually.[57] One of the well-known utilization examples is theAmerican University of Armenia (AUA) which uses it not only for electricity generation, but also for water heating. Thegovernment of Armenia is promoting utilization of solar energy.[58][59]
In 2018 the amount of solar power produced in Armenia increased by nearly 50 per cent. Government figures show that Armenia's solar power average is 60 per cent better than the European average.[60]
In March 2018 an international consortium consisting of the Dutch and Spanish companies won the tender for the construction of a 55 MW solar power plant Masrik-1. The solar power station is planned to be built in the community ofMets Masrik of theGegharkunik region entirely at the expense of foreign investments. The expected volume of investments in this generation facility will be about $50 million. Construction of the plant was expected to be completed by 2020.[61] In May 2019 the deadline for start of financing the Masrik-1 solar power plant construction project has been extended by 198 days.[62]
