THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ENSURING ENERGY SECURITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

Аннотация

Purpose: to identify the role of renewable energy in ensuring energy security in Armenia and provide several options for building energy storage facilities. Methodology: By reviewing the literature and the Report on the long-term (up to 2036) development pathways for the Armenian energy sector, and analyzing statistical data options for building energy storage facilities are identified. Results: Definite imbalance is observed, in particular, nuclear power generating facilities, although comprise only 10% of the whole generating facilities, have provided 35.7%t of the generated energy. The energy export and import positive highlights the evidence of excess production, meanwhile the arrangement a long-term stable operation of the energy system is at risk owing to obsolete facilities and etc. Although a small role is given to the renewable energy within the scope of the energy sector development national strategy, the presented security threats force to discuss the importance of this source of energy from a new angle. Armenia possesses a wide range and volume of economically feasible resources equivalent to the installed capacity and annual volume of the produced energy of the power plants. The possibilities of development of hydro accumulation facilities have great potential, especially considering the existence of hydro power plants cascades. Conclusion: The imperative of Armenia’s energy security is the construction of energy storage facilities rather than artificial legislative restriction of solar and wind energy development, which is recommended by the long-term energy development program. The increase of level of energy self-sufficiency will not only ensure affordable and sustainable energy availability in the future, but will also significantly strengthen Armenia’s position in the region. Practical Implication: The findings of the article could be used by the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources in drafting the energy security concept note, and other strategic papers.