The most attractive points of investing in the Armenian sun and getting the most of the benefits of solar energy in Armenia. We’ve researched and analyzed all the ultimate assets for showing the top benefits of investing in solar energy in Armenia.
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In recent years, the world has shown increased interest in solar energy for its countless advantages. The rapidly growing approach to generating power from the almighty golden star helped humanity take the first step in changing the face of its future.
What are the benefits of investing in the sector of solar energy in Armenia?
In fact, in 2022, the number of established solar power stations exceeded previous years dramatically; it promises a burst of sunshine and a brighter future for generations to come. Additionally, it provides the strength to face climate change challenges thanks to harnessing world solar energy.
It is worth mentioning that according to the 2021 Global Energy Review published by the International Energy Agency, 29% of global electric power was generated from renewable energy in 2020. In the U.S. alone, solar energy generation is the most rapidly evolving power origin, with 3.3% of overall generation by the end of 2020.
In this article, we’ll discuss the potential of Armenia’s energy, how much space Armenia has for solar power stations, and the benefits of investing in solar energy in Armenia.
Rise of the Global Sector of Solar Energy in Armenia
Even in rather foggy and dull weather, being the ultimate source of power makes the sun the endless life generator. In this regard, where would solar energy be used better than in Armenia? The country of the sun itself.
In Armenia, the goal to build an observant development, particularly in the size of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system, is the real serious focus, and the progress made so far in this regard is remarkable. Several Armenian official bodies have realized the sun is becoming the main energy supplier worldwide and have started acting accordingly.
Armenia’s strategy for energy generation in 2021 requires up to 1000 MW of solar PV capacity by the end of 2030. By then, solar energy stations will reach 15% of the overall generation, according to the International Energy Agency report about Armenia this year.
The sun has been a leading role player in many Armenian poems, paintings, musical shows, and even popular modern songs, from Betty’s people of the sun in 2014 to Sirusho’s Huh-Hah bragging about being from the city of the sun. Not just that, but even the name “Arev” is popular among Armenian females; therefore, the sun is part of Armenia’s culture, not just the natural atmosphere.
The Potential of Armenia’s Solar Energy
Being a small country in the Caucasus can’t stop Armenia from becoming a role model in solar energy investments. In fact, Armenians can leverage their country’s geographical location and natural resources to shift gradually to solar energy solutions. Who knows, maybe the Armenian sun could be a national treasure no one has thought of in the past!
We are at a point in history, as a collective, where awareness worldwide is rapidly increasing regarding environmental issues and saving the planet’s natural resources. More than ever, Armenia has the biggest opportunity to shine brightly through utilizing the ever-evolving technologies and promoting the important contributions this land can offer to the world.
The Armenian diaspora distinguishes Armenia from other countries, which can contribute significantly to implementing energy efficiency projects and solar power production through private and non-profit international organizations.
Several Armenian governmental bodies have shown openness to such collaborations and participated efficiently by investing heavily to guarantee the success of clean energy approaches, for example, the energy efficiency transformation projects funded by UNDP, GCF, and the Armenian government.
What Makes Armenia Suitable for Establishing Solar Power Plants?
Supportive Government Strategy
The Armenian government has prioritized utilizing renewable energy resources for their availability, particularly the building of solar power stations. Believing in the saying: “Solar Energy is Today’s Resource for a Brighter Tomorrow!” The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund were established by the Armenian government as an independent NGO in 2006. It functions to facilitate investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Armenia.
Simple facts about Solar Energy
The amount of potential solar energy that falls on Earth’s surface in 1-hour equals the total annual energy consumption of everyone on the planet. 20 days of sunshine can create the same amount of energy as all the Earth’s coal, oil, and natural gas combined.
Evolution of Solar Energy Machinery
Nowadays, with the benefits of the world’s modern technology, it is becoming easier and easier to make the best out of solar energy. For example, Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are photovoltaic materials used to displace the traditional building equipment in parts of the building and integrate them within the building; it functions flawlessly and generates electricity for the whole building to save electricity costs.
Domestic Demand for Solar-Powered Solutions is High
The sun doesn’t charge for energy, and Armenia has a high demand for solar-powered water heating solutions; therefore, many institutions, hospitals, residential buildings, and others have switched traditional water heating systems to solar-powered ones.
Such demand alerts for a cultural change where people are becoming aware of what differences solar energy can bring to their lives. As a result, it increases market demand and encourages business entities to participate in the process.
How Much Space Does Armenia Have for Solar Power Stations?
Shortly speaking, Armenia has lots of potential spaces for solar power stations.
For example, Lake Sevan, located at 1900 m above sea level, is where the biggest solar power station has been constructed nearby. It generates electricity for the whole region with 14,000 solar panels.
Additionally, a mega solar energy project was finalized in 2021 between the Armenian government and Masdar, a UAE-based renewable energy company, to establish a 200-megawatt plant in the Aragatsotn province in an area of over 500 hectares.
Solar electricity has been around since 1839!
In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect—the ability to create an electric current from the sun’s rays. Then, Russell Ohl invented the first solar panel cell in 1941 and the first commercial panel was put out by Bell Laboratories in 1954.
Another example is Gladzor, a village in Vayots Dzor province in Armenia, where the European Union announced plans in 2019 to build a solar power station with 4000 solar panels.
The Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources of The Republic of Armenia provides clear guidelines for establishing a utility-scale solar power plant, from choosing the land to implementation and operation, including free professional consultation.
Benefits of Investing in Solar Energy in Armenia
Armenia never falls short with its unique location and the power it can generate from the sun’s warmth. It certainly lacks nothing to be the best place to invest in solar energy. Actually, the leading reason to invest in solar energy in the land of rocks, as it is famously known, is due to its mountainous nature and an average of 2700 sunny hours throughout the year.
The sun doesn’t charge for energy, and Armenia has a high demand for solar-powered water heating solutions; therefore, many institutions, hospitals, residential buildings, and others have switched traditional water heating systems to solar-powered ones.
The country is blessed with its hot summers and long sunny days, making it an ideal destination for solar power plants. According to the International Energy Agency, Armenia’s general solar energy profile is indeed promising; compared to the European average annual solar energy, which is 1000 kWh, Armenia’s annual is 1720 kWh per square meter. For example, according to PVGIS, the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System released by the Joint Research Center in the EU, the annual average solar energy in Denmark and Czech Republic is 1100-1200 kWh per square meter. Additionally, both Finland and Ireland have an annual average solar energy of 1000-1100 kWh per square meter.
Conclusion
The promise for Armenia that one day it will shift totally to renewable energy sources is around the corner; of course, the procedure to reach that will take some time, but the hopes are high with the combined efforts and the government plans toward more collaborations, programs on the one hand, and the maximum use of modern technology such as photovoltaics, solar heating, algorithms, and constructing more solar power plants, on the other hand.
Despite all the recent geopolitical issues and all the ups and downs Armenia has been through during the last decade, the country still has lots of potential in terms of solar energy and innovative solutions. Maybe solar power could be Armenia’s window into the world. All it takes is applying current solutions and putting all possible effort into developing innovations.
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