ArmInfo. There is progress in the energy sector of Armenia, but in general there is also a decline in rates, despite the fact that, according to the government, solar energy in the country is developing above the norm. atul Manaseryan, Doctor of Economics, professor, head of the "Alternative" Research Center, a member of the Eurasian Expert Club stated during a press conference on August 22.
In this regard, referring to the forecast of the Eurasian Expert Club, he noted that the state will stop supporting legal entities and individuals in the field of solar energy. According to the economist, the attitude of the state towards this industry has not been so positive lately, especially considering that large funds are allocated from the budget for the support program.
Manaseryan recalled that last year serious work was done to extend the operational period of the Metsamor nuclear power plant until 2036."This means that we have time for concrete steps towards the second power unit in order to prevent problems," he stressed.
In general, the expert noted that the slowdown in the energy and industry of Armenia is mainly due to the tension in relations with Azerbaijan, the occupation of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia by the latter, and daily shelling. According to the expert, attacks on people engaged in agricultural work both in Armenia and Artsakh, were also added to this.
It should be noted that last summer the government of the Republic of Armenia decided to assist the development of solar energy. Supported by state, it is possible to install a solar system with a limit of up to 10 million drams at preferential rates of 0-2% - in border areas, 2% - in villages, 3% - in regional cities, 5% - in Yerevan. The authorities plan to increase the share of solar energy in the country's energy balance from about 0.3% to 15% by 2030. According to Gevorg Hakhverdyan, Commercial Director at OHM ENERGY, for all these purposes, up to $650 million may be invested in solar energy in Armenia.
According to the RA Statistical Committee, electricity generation in Armenia decreased by 2.7%, totaling 4,270.1 million kWh. At the same time, solar power plants increased energy production by 79.9% to 181.4 million kWh.
Production volumes in the industrial sector of Armenia in H1 2023, slowed down growth to 1% (from 5.8% a year earlier), totaling 1.2 trillion drams ($3 billion).
