Why do Armenians use solar energy?

The reason for this is that average solar radiation in Armenia is almost 1700 kWh/m 2 annually. One of the well-known utilization examples is the American University of Armenia (AUA) which uses it not only for electricity generation, but also for water heating. The Government of Armenia is promoting utilization of solar energy.

How much solar energy does Armenia produce a year?

According to the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia, Armenia has an average of about 1720 kilowatt hour (kWh) solar energy flow per square meter of horizontal surface annually and has a potential of 1000 MW power production.

Does Armenia need a solar power plant?

In 2019, the European 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 in Gladzor. Solar power potential in Armenia is 8 GW according to the Eurasian Development Bank.

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.

Is geothermal energy viable in Armenia?

The geothermal energy potential of Armenia is significant, but is not considered economically viable, at least for now. The World Bank has estimated the total potential at around 150 MW. The Karkar site in Syunik, for instance, has an estimated capacity of 28 MW with a construction cost of nearly $100 million, far pricier than solar.

How much wind power does Armenia have?

A 2003 study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimated Armenia’s land areas with “good-to-excellent” wind resource potential to be around 1,000 km². With a conservative assumption of 5 MW per km², the authors noted that the area could support almost 5,000 MW of potential installed capacity.