Armenia Looks to Solar Energy

The government policy estimates the country’s potential capacity of solar energy production at up to 3,000 megawatts — enough to meet domestic demand and even make Armenia a net electricity exporter.

Armenia is banking on renewable energy to increase its energy independence.

Armenia much sunnier than most of Europe — according to government figures, it receives 1,720 kilowatt hours per square metre of sunlight every year, compared to an average of 1,000 in Europe — solar energy looks to be the most promising.

Hayk Harutyunyan, the ex-Soviet republic’s Deputy Energy Minister told news agency “To ensure its energy security and independence, Armenia, like any other country, strives to diversify energy sources.”

According to the government’s policy paper, “Energy Roadmap” within four years, up to eight percent of the country’s energy needs will be covered by renewables.

The government policy estimates the country’s potential capacity of solar energy production at up to 3,000 megawatts — enough to meet domestic demand and even make Armenia a net electricity exporter.

Harutyunyan said that a consortium of investors from 10 countries will soon start building a solar plant capable of producing 55 megawatts of electricity.

According to reports, the World Bank has earmarked some USD 60 million for the solar project, as part of its initiative to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

So far, three solar power plants with capacity of one megawatt each have been built across the country and seven more will follow by the end of 2018.

In 2018, the headquarters of the Armenian cabinet of ministers will fully switch to solar energy, subsequently followed by all governmental buildings.

Source: AFP