Relying solely on solar energy could lead to an energy catastrophe: Armen Manvelyan

Despite not possessing significant energy resources, Armenia has for many years managed its energy system relatively competently, based on three main pillars. This was stated by energy security expert Armen Manvelyan in a conversation with Alpha News.

According to him, cheap gas is of primary importance. “We import the cheapest gas in the region. The second pillar is hydropower, which accounts for around 30 to 40 percent of the country’s generating capacity. And nuclear energy plays the most critical role,” Manvelyan said.

The expert noted that a solar energy development strategy was adopted in Armenia back in 2010, however its implementation, according to Manvelyan, is being carried out in a somewhat chaotic manner. “Solar energy is developing now, but very chaotically. There is no regulated strategy, no dedicated policy,” he said.

According to Manvelyan, the spread of solar systems is driven primarily by the personal economic interests of citizens, with many trying to install solar panels on the roofs of their homes in order to reduce costs. Meanwhile, he said, the authorities are trying to present this process as the result of their own policy.

Details in the video.