Armenia Joins Global Solar Energy Movement as New Member of the International Solar Alliance

Armenia has taken a major step in its journey towards renewable energy by officially joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a signatory member at its 7th Assembly, which recently concluded in New Delhi, India. This is Armenia's debut at the ISA as a member, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable energy development and a greener future. The Armenian Embassy in India confirmed Armenia’s active participation, describing it as a milestone in the country's renewable energy journey.

In line with this new alliance, Armenia is focusing on enhancing its solar energy sector to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and increase its energy security. Armenia’s Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, emphasized Armenia's dedication to renewable energy as a national priority. Through Armenia’s 2022-2030 Energy Saving and Renewable Energy Program, the government has set ambitious goals: to increase solar energy’s share in the national energy mix from the current 5% to 15% by 2030. By promoting solar energy, Armenia aims to create a more resilient and sustainable energy system that contributes to the global fight against climate change.

“Armenia’s commitment to renewable energy goes hand in hand with our mission to build energy independence. Solar power offers us a viable path forward, allowing us to tap into our natural resources and promote sustainability,” said Ambassador Afyan.

The Armenian government has implemented a variety of policies to encourage the growth of solar power, including incentives for rooftop solar systems. Through these policies, homeowners and businesses can receive cashback of up to 30% of their investment costs, and a net metering scheme allows solar system owners to sell excess energy back to the grid, lowering their overall energy costs.

Moreover, the government has rolled out an ambitious plan to construct five large-scale solar power plants to meet growing energy demands and reduce reliance on imported energy. Among these is the Masrik-I Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 55 megawatts (MW), and the larger Ayg-I Project, which is expected to produce 200 MW. These power plants are key to Armenia’s goal of reaching a solar generation capacity of 1,000 MW by 2030, a capacity that would provide substantial power to Armenian homes and businesses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Armenia is also addressing the need for renewable energy in the transport sector, recognizing the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) in reducing carbon emissions. The government is actively supporting the import of electric vehicles and facilitating the establishment of charging stations, laying the foundation for a nationwide EV infrastructure. This move is part of Armenia’s long-term goal to achieve a 60% share of renewable energy by 2040, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as part of a well-rounded energy system.

Armenia’s geographic location and climate provide it with a considerable advantage in solar energy production. The average annual solar radiation in Armenia is 1,720 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square meter, well above the European average of 1,000 kWh. This high solar radiation level allows Armenia to efficiently generate solar power across much of the country, making it a prime candidate for solar energy investment.

In fact, Armenia is already home to one of the region’s largest solar panel manufacturers, LA Solar, which is based within the country and supports both local and regional solar projects. The American University of Armenia (AUA) has also embraced solar power, using it for both electricity generation and water heating, showcasing the benefits of renewable energy for academic and institutional settings.

The ISA, an international body focused on promoting clean energy through solar power, aims to help member nations develop sustainable energy systems that rely on renewable resources. The organization is particularly valuable for countries like Armenia, which are in the early stages of solar power development and can benefit from shared technology, funding, and expertise. For the 2025-2026 term, India and France will serve as the president and co-president of the ISA, guiding its global initiatives and assisting new members in implementing solar energy projects.