“EU for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Armenian Communities” project has been implemented in three regions of Armenia—Lori, Tavush, and Gegharkunik. It has been co-financed by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany. The project has been carried out by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) as part of “ECOserve” Armenia.
The goal of the project is to demonstrate the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy in economically disadvantaged communities located in Armenia’s border and high-mountainous areas, to help communities reduce their utility costs and save resources for green economic development. The project is also aimed at reducing electricity consumption in Armenia, decreasing the use of fossil fuels and firewood, and contributing to forest conservation.
On February 28, the closing event of “Small-Scale Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Measures in Public Buildings and Pilot Thermal Insulation of Households” component took place. This component was implemented by the Foundation to Save Energy.
The Foundation to Save Energy has carried out important measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in energy-poor communities of Lori, Tavush, and Gegharkunik Regions, particularly in low-income vulnerable households and community buildings. These measures aim to increase the economic stability and energy self-sufficiency of communities, improve the living conditions of the population, and protect the environment.
Within the project, solar photovoltaic stations with a capacity of up to 10 kW were installed on 50 community buildings of public significance (including kindergartens and cultural centers). Roof insulation was carried out in six buildings, while exterior doors and windows were replaced in five buildings. Thermal insulation measures were implemented in 20 socially vulnerable households, including door and window replacement, as well as wall, attic, and roof insulation. When selecting households, the social status of beneficiaries and the involvement of vulnerable groups, including displaced beneficiaries from Artsakh, were prioritized. As part of the project, a manual and a guide on “Self-Insulating a Home” were developed.
As a result, a reduction of energy costs by 20-30%, energy independence, and economic stability of communities, as well as forest conservation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental protection, are expected.
“The objective was to target needy, forest-adjacent, border, and as vulnerable as possible communities in Tavush, Lori, and Gegharkunik Regions. The communities, in turn, co-financed up to 25%. In the same communities where these facilities were selected, with solar systems installed on their roofs, disadvantaged families were also selected for partial thermal insulation and energy-saving works. Again, up to 25% co-financing was required from the residents.
We had a huge awareness component. Booklets, a self-implementation guide for thermal insulation, and video tutorials were developed. Many interviews were given, and reports were made that covered this issue. The importance of thermal insulation in our country constantly needs coverage. Solar systems seem to be understood and have become trendy, but the issue of thermal insulation remains. We explain that with thermal insulation, people will save more money than by installing a solar system,” Astghine Pasoyan, Director of Foundation to Save Energy, said in her interview with Ecolur.
Ashot Giloyan, Head of Department of Local Self-Government Policy at RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, noted: “The project is aimed at community development and the well-being of residents. Employees of community buildings are already working in more comfortable conditions. Through this project, we are also developing and strengthening the capacities of community workers. Communities must have a comprehensive action plan for energy implementation, and the five-year development plan will become a development strategy. That strategy must be comprehensive and develop in all directions.”
Alla Berberyan, Head of Environmental Project of the German International Cooperation Agency’s “ECOserve” project, stated: “The goal of the project was to ensure broader access to energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions for communities and households, contributing to the improvement of energy security in rural populations and the conservation of natural resources.”
Referring to the thermal insulation and energy efficiency measures implemented in households, Alla Berberyan noted: “These efforts serve as an incentive for households to undertake similar measures on their own. They improve family well-being, quality of life, contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decrease the use of firewood, and reduce pressure on natural resources, particularly forests.”
March 06, 2025 at 14:30