Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan stressed that unblocking regional transit routes is essential for Armenia’s long-term energy security. Speaking at the EU–Armenia Civil Society Platform, Grigoryan pointed to Armenia’s isolation from global energy transmission networks as a core structural vulnerability.

“If we are not connected, we remain confined to local production and consumption, which is very expensive,” he warned, adding that integrating renewable energy, especially solar, is severely limited without access to wider regional grids.

He explained that in the absence of transmission links, Armenia must rely on energy storage systems — a solution that is both costly and environmentally challenging due to the disposal of used batteries.

Grigoryan also raised concerns about the efficient operation of Armenia’s nuclear power plant under conditions of low domestic consumption and closed borders.
“The cost price may be excellent, but starting and stopping a nuclear plant requires significant resources and strict safety protocols,” he said.

He called on civil society to support the unblocking agenda, framing it not only as an economic imperative but also a strategic necessity.
“If we are talking about energy risks, then unblocking must remain a priority — it neutralizes around 40% of those risks,” Grigoryan concluded.