As a result of the war and the agreement signed on 9 November, Artsakh has lost more than 80 percent of its electric power capacity. This was stated to NEWS.am by economist Suren Paryan, addressing the issues of Artsakh’s energy security that arose after the agreement signed on 9 November.
The economist, citing data from the State Commission for the Regulation of Public Services and Economic Competition of Artsakh, stated that before the war there were 1 large (Sarsang reservoir) and 31 small hydroelectric power plants operating in the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, which provided not only the Artsakh economy with cheap electric power, but also part of it was exported to Armenia.
“Due to rich water resources and suitable terrain, most of the HPPs (hydroelectric power plants) were built in the administrative districts of Kashatagh and Shahumyan (Karvachar), which were destroyed before being handed over to the Azerbaijani side. As a result of the military operations and the signed trilateral agreement, Artsakh lost its self-sufficient energy (power) system. Of the 32 HPPs operating in Artsakh, 26 have already ceased their operations, namely: 2 HPPs in Madaghis, 7 HPPs in Shahumyan (Karvachar), 16 HPPs in Kashatagh and 1 HPP in Hadrut. As for the condition of the Trghi 1, 2 and 3 HPPs located in Martakert, there is no accurate information,” he said.
According to Suren Paryan, during 2019, the companies operating the HPPs transferred around 1.7 billion drams in taxes to the state budget of Artsakh and provided work for thousands of Artsakh citizens.
He expressed hope that the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh will take urgent steps not only to ensure the energy security of Artsakh, but will also find alternative solutions.
