How does Armenia produce electricity?

Armenia lacks fossil energy source, and heavily relies on the production of electricity from a nuclear power plant and hydro power plants, and uses imported fossil fuels to operate thermal power plants. Solar energy and wind energy productions are just a small portion of the overall electricity production.

Does Armenia have solar power?

In June 2016, the Armenian Parliament updated the law “On Energy Saving and Renewable Energy” which encourages the use of solar power in the country and allows users of solar installations of 150 kW or less to sell their excess energy back to the electrical grid. The voltage in Armenia is 220 V AC at a frequency of 50 Hz.

How has Armenia restructured its energy sector?

Prompted by a severe electricity supply crisis in the mid-1990s, Armenia has revamped its energy sector over the past 20 years. Parts of the sector have been privatised, some companies have been restructured, most households now have access to gas, and cost-reflective tariffs have been introduced.

Does Armenia have a nuclear power plant?

Nuclear power provides 38% of the electricity in Armenia through one operating nuclear reactor, Unit 2 of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which is a WWER-440 reactor with extra seismic reinforcement. It was created in 1976 and is the only nuclear power plant in the South Caucasus.

What is the hydropower potential of Armenia?

The hydropower potential of Armenia is reported to be 21.8 billion kWh. As of the 1 January 2018, electricity was generated by 184 small HPPs, with total installed capacity of 353 MW.

When was the first thermal power plant built in Armenia?

Construction of thermal power plants started in the energy-intensive regions of Armenia. The first power plant was constructed in Yerevan in 1960, which was followed by Vanadzor Thermal Power Plant in 1961, and Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant in 1963.