The legal framework is in place in Armenia for the development of renewable resources. Armenian law provides that the purchase of renewable energy is mandatory through 2016 at a feed-in tariff of $0.05/kWh. The most promising renewable energy resources are wind and biomass. No major initiative has been undertaken to develop these resources due to artificially low electricity rates and a lack of financing capital. There is a strong interest in Armenia with respect to biogas generation from farm-based anaerobic digesters as well as from landfills. Armenia also has a good potential for wind power development. The hydro power potential is also high.
Solar and geothermal energy are the two least promising resources. This is in spite of the fact that 2 to 3 MWth of solar hot water heating already exists in the country, and the solar electric potential is largely untapped. The feed-in tariff may not be sufficient to support large-scale photovoltaic projects. Armenia is located in a zone of high tectonic and recent volcanic activity, however, its geothermal resources are largely unexplored, and at present only provide low-to-medium temperature thermal water. Further exploration may reveal high enthalpy resources suitable for electricity generation.
Country Profile and Notes
More information is provided in the country profile and country notes, including specific resource and energy sector information:
View 2005 Country Profile
View 2002 Country Notes (563 kB pdf)
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