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Wind power in the Republic of Armenia

Wind power in the Republic of Armenia is a part of the energy industry in Armenia. It is still a rear means of energy generation in Armenia. According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, theoretically, Armenia has 5,000 MW wind energy capacity. However, as Armenia is highly mountainous country, this capacity does not equal to the actual electricity generation. Most of the areas with the potential of high wind are not easily accessible for constructing wind turbines.

History

The Republic of Armenia has created numerous mechanisms, promoting the use of wind power. In December 2005, the first wind power plant, Lori 1 started operating in Armenia, with a total power capacity of 2.64 MW. This wind power plant consists of four wind turbines, each of which has a power capacity of 660 KW. The construction of Lori 1 was funded by the Iranian company "Sunir" and is located along the Bazum Mountains at Pushkin Pass. In the future, it is foreseen to enlarge the wind power plant capacity up to 50 MW.

Lori 1 WPP at Pushkin pass, Armenia

Armenia and Iran are currently constructing the Iran-Armenia Wind Farm, and it is estimated that this WPP will become the country's largest wind farm, with a power capacity of 90 MW. However, as of 2017, the Lori 1, stays the only operating wind farm in Armenia.

In 2003, the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of Armenia was drawn by the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of The Republic of Armenia. According to it, the general locations with a high wind potential are the Zod Pass, Bazum Range, Pushkin and Qarakhach Passes, Jajur Pass, Geghama Range, Sevan Pass, Aparan Region, Sisian-Goris Hills and Meghri Area.

Wind Energy Programs in Armenia

Within the framework of European Union program, a monitoring was organized in the Semenovka Pass in Sevan region. It showed that a wind power plant can be constructed in that area, which can generate a power capacity of 35 MW.

Another monitoring was conducted at Qarakhach Pass in Shirak region by an Armenian-Italian company “Ar Energy” in order to construct a wind farm in this region with a power capacity of 140 MW. Moreover, a research was done by the company "Zod Wind" near Zod Pass in Gegharkunik region, for the construction of 20 MW wind power plant.The companies “Ar Energy” and “Zod Wind” are currently planning to start the construction of “Qarakhach-1” and “Zod” wind power plants.