Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre | International Solar Alliance

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus, spans around 29,740 km² and has a population of roughly 2.9 million. Its economy is modestly diversified, with energy and mining supplemented by growing industries. As of 2024, Armenia’s power system has a capacity of about 3.9 GW, primarily driven by nuclear (40 percent) and hydropower (≈30 percent), with renewables like solar and wind making up the remainder. [1]Electricity consumption per capita has decreased recently to around 3,000 kWh, reflecting efficiency gains and changing demand patterns.

Looking ahead, Armenia plans large-scale expansion of renewables: an additional 50 MW of small hydro, 141 MW of large hydro, 500 MW of wind, and 950 MW of solar PV are expected by 2036[2]—raising renewable energy’s share to 66 percent. This ongoing transition lays the groundwork for green hydrogen, which offers Armenia a pathway to decarbonize hard-to-reach sectors, support energy export potential, and enhance energy independence in line with EU4Energy objectives.

[1] https://www.iea.org/reports/armenia-energy-profile/energy-system-transformation

[2] https://www.iea.org/reports/armenia-energy-profile/energy-system-transformation

General Information

Hydrogen Profile

Armenia’s nascent hydrogen ecosystem is gaining attention as a strategic tool for industrial decarbonization and regional cooperation. According to IRENA, green hydrogen is seen as a key enabler supporting both energy security and climate goals across the South Caucasus.[1]

Armenia’s energy profile shows major low-carbon infrastructure: the Metsamor nuclear plant, Sevan–Hrazdan and Vorotan hydropower cascades, and nearly 500 MW of solar PV installed by 2023 . Combined with approximately 8 MW of wind and geothermal exploration plans, Armenia possesses a credible foundation for transitioning to electrolysis-based hydrogen production.[2]

[1] https://renewables.az/en/news/irena-report-green-hydrogen-for-industrial-decarbonisation-in-central-asia-and-the-south-caucasus

[2] https://pxweb.irena.org

Hydrogen Policy/Roadmap/Strategy

Armenia has not yet formalized a dedicated hydrogen strategy.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Renewable Energy Potential

Armenia’s robust low-carbon energy infrastructure provides a strong platform:

Hydropower: About 955 MW from Sevan–Hrazdan and 404 MW from Vorotan cascades, with small hydro contributing ~389 MW.[1]
Solar PV: Capacity expanded rapidly from 111 MW in 2020 to approximately 474 MW by 2023, part of the 1 GW PV target by 2030.[2]
Wind: Minimal current deployment (~8 MW) butidentified potential (up to 450 MW) in several mountain passes; ADB-supported legislation may unlock development.[3]
Geothermal: Early-stage exploration at Jermaghbyur / Karkar seeks 30 MW capacity by 2040 with World Bank support.[4]

[1] Hydropower

[2] https://www.german-economic-team.com/en/newsletter/armenias-energy-sector-current-developments-and-challenges

[3] https://globalwindatlas.info

[4] Armenia - Geothermal Exploratory Drilling Project : environmental assessment : Environmental and social impact assessment report and management plan (updated)

Manufacturing

No electrolyser installations are yet present.

Project Outlook

Armenia is currently in the pre-feasibility stage for green hydrogen projects:

Industry-Clustering Pilots: Plans include 10–50 MW solar-plus-electrolyser clusters near hydropower and industrial zones—potentially in collaboration under EU-funded regional schemes.
Cross-border cooperation: Armenia is exploring cooperation with Georgia and Iran on pilot export pipelines or ammonia trade routes, supported through UNECE forums.