Integration of energy systems could become serious stimulus for Armenia – Ara Marjanyan

The potential integration of Armenia’s energy systems with neighboring countries implies large-scale technical work and the implementation of medium-term programs, energy expert Ara Marjanyan said in an interview with Alpha News, commenting on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s remarks that Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s energy systems will be connected.

“Physical integration of energy systems means the re-commissioning of high-voltage transmission lines or the construction of new ones, as well as the modernization of existing substations or the construction of new substations to feed those lines. The overall duration of all these works can be estimated at approximately 1.5–2 years,” Marjanyan said.

According to him, the electricity networks of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan operated in parallel mode for decades, which increased the efficiency, manageability, and reliability of power supply systems.

“That system collapsed along with the Soviet Union, and today we see that from the former unified system only separate functioning elements remain. At present, Armenia’s and Georgia’s electric networks are working in parallel,” he said.

Marjanyan is convinced that if the integration of Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s electricity networks also becomes a reality, it could become a serious stimulus for Armenia. He also emphasized that in the energy industry, electricity is the unique sub-sector where Armenia holds clear advantages over its neighbors.