Yerevan, May 12 – The Armenian Parliament has adopted a bill in its second and final reading, permitting the creation of accumulation power plants. This legislative change, amending the “Law on Energy,” addresses the growing need for energy storage solutions in Armenia, particularly due to the significant increase in solar power capacity.
Addressing Solar Power Volatility
The amendments were developed in response to the rapid growth of solar power plants in Armenia. While solar energy is a crucial component of the country’s energy strategy, its output is inherently unstable, ceasing production during dark hours. This fluctuation often necessitates limiting the capacity of other power plants during the day and restoring them in the evening and at night to maintain grid stability.
Consequently, there has been an urgent need for large-scale electricity accumulators capable of storing surplus energy generated during the day and releasing it back into the grid during evening and night hours. This new law facilitates the development of such infrastructure.
Licensing and Capacity
Under the new legislation, small accumulation power plants (up to 1 MW) will be permitted without requiring a license. Furthermore, plants with capacities exceeding 1 MW will also be exempt from licensing if they are intended exclusively for the self-consumption of their owners, such as enterprises or budgetary organizations.
Growth of Solar Energy in Armenia
Over the past decade, solar energy has experienced significant development in Armenia. In 2025, the total output from solar power plants reached approximately 1.34 billion kWh, excluding autonomous consumption volumes that do not enter the grid. This remarkable growth has seen solar power’s share in the country’s total electricity production reach about 14%, and at certain times, it has even exceeded 20%.
This rapid expansion of solar energy, while beneficial for renewable energy targets, has highlighted the grid’s need for enhanced stability and storage capabilities. The newly adopted law is a direct response to these challenges, aiming to integrate renewable energy sources more effectively and ensure a reliable power supply across the country.
The implementation of accumulation power plants is expected to reduce the reliance on traditional power plants for balancing the grid, leading to more efficient energy management and potentially lower operational costs for the energy sector.
This legislative step underscores Armenia’s commitment to sustainable energy development and its proactive approach to managing the complexities of a modern, diversified energy portfolio.
Source: https://golosarmenii.am/arm/%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%AF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%B9-%D5%A7%D5%AC%D5%A5%D5%AF%D5%BF%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5/