The growth of solar power generation in Armenia could create serious problems for the stability of the energy system unless it is accompanied by the development of electricity storage systems. MP Davit Ghazinyan made the statement while commenting on the stability of Armenia’s unified energy system.
He recalled the prime minister’s statement that Armenia has created solar generation capacity equivalent to two nuclear power plants. According to Ghazinyan, however, storage facilities are necessary for the effective use of that capacity.
“If the equivalent of those two nuclear power plants in solar generation does not have an accumulation system, meaning we cannot store that energy, then it becomes a greater risk than a benefit,” he said.
According to the MP, when electricity generation exceeds demand, the lack of storage capacity can threaten the stability of the system.
In his assessment, Armenia’s energy system also faces several other serious challenges related to maintaining overall stability.
Ghazinyan said the 400 kV Armenia–Iran transmission line is still not fully completed. According to his information, around 90% of the work has been finished, but there are still problems with transmission towers on certain sections of the line, as well as an issue involving a 220 kV transformer.
The MP also drew attention to the security of transmission lines under construction. According to him, thefts are recorded after the lines are built and cables are installed.
“According to my information, thefts are taking place,” he said.
Ghazinyan stated that, in an effort to prevent such incidents, the government had even approached Electric Networks of Armenia with a proposal to make it possible to energize the 10 kV line in order to deter theft.
He also said that construction of the Armenia–Georgia transmission line, which is important for the continuity of Armenia–Iran energy cooperation and the expansion of regional electricity links, is also “standing still.” According to him, work in this direction is not progressing at a sufficient pace.
At the same time, the MP rejected claims about Armenia’s energy dependence, noting that even if the nuclear power plant were shut down, Armenia would still be considered self-sufficient in the energy sector.
“Even if the nuclear power plant stops operating, the Republic of Armenia is considered self-sufficient in terms of energy. Under these circumstances, I do not think it is right to discuss what Aliyev said,” the MP concluded.