Advancing energy independence and enhancing energy security—both closely tied to a country’s socioeconomic development—require profound and strategic measures, particularly for nations heavily reliant on external energy sources.
Armenia’s energy security is defined by regional dependencies, most notably its reliance on natural gas imports from Russia and Iran. Although recent efforts have boosted renewable energy production—particularly solar—Armenia continues to depend heavily on a narrow range of external sources, which dominate its current energy landscape. Nonetheless, the country’s electric power system holds untapped potential for sustainable energy, thanks to its availability of renewable sources such as solar and hydroelectric.
Adjunct lecturer and researcher at AUA’s Acopian Center for the Environment, Armen Danielian, explained the current state of Armenia’s renewable energy landscape, “Armenia has some renewable energy potential that it has been utilizing – hydropower is mostly utilized at the current level, providing about 20-30 percent of annual electricity generation,” he said.
He added that solar electricity, which has grown rapidly from virtually zero percent five years ago, “now accounts for about 10 percent of annual electricity consumption.”
When considering international models that Armenia could adopt, Danielian highlighted Ireland’s example. Like Armenia, Ireland faces limited interconnection capacity, which refers to the ability of a country to connect its technical and institutional capacity with other countries. However, it has implemented an innovative market design that manages electricity consumption and efficiently addresses the variability of wind and solar power.
Danielian also pointed to Armenia’s growing interest in biogas production. “The Acopian Center for the Environment is currently undertaking a study on biogas generation, which can be used for electricity production, mixed with natural gas in pipelines, and utilized for heating and transportation, among other applications.” This study aims to lay the groundwork for expanding renewable energy initiatives and building a more resilient energy future.
Energy transition efforts also require the active involvement of various stakeholders—especially the younger generation. A short study I conducted on energy literacy revealed that 60 undergraduate students lack awareness of key energy issues, highlighting the need for enhanced energy education and outreach. Moreover, their understanding of energy topics was moderate, particularly in areas such as primary sources of electricity and heating, the share of renewables in the energy mix, the proportion of imported energy, and the percentage of energy supply derived from fossil fuels in both Armenia and the South Caucasus more broadly.
Lia Kalforian, a BESS sophomore, emphasized the role of students in driving change within the energy sector. “In Armenia’s context, the energy sector is going through significant changes, and students are uniquely positioned to drive this change,” she said. “They bring unique perspectives and fresh ideas, challenging traditional paradigms.”
Accelerating sustainable transition is intertwined with progressive shifts in student knowledge and competencies through literacy, operations, and outreach activities. BAB senior Meri Chichyan emphasized the importance of education in this process. “As future leaders and policymakers, we must be well-educated on climate issues,” she said.
DS senior Diana Tumasyan echoed this view, noting that schools and universities should focus on topics to prepare students as future generations to “make Armenia cleaner in energy transition and in going greener.”
Addressing the challenges and effectively capturing opportunities in the Armenian energy ecosystem requires systematic collaboration between various stakeholders, notably the youth, who can bring fresh perspectives and competencies.
Progressive shifts within the higher educational institutions, coupled with energy initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement, are viable options for advancing curiosity and active participation among students within the Armenian energy sector.
