Last updated: 19.04.2023

Assisting the energy system of Artsakh

The project includes:

acquisition and installation of diesel generators and electric batteries at key points of the pumped water supply system of Stepanakert and the regions of Artsakh
acquisition of portable solar power generators [for field use]
purchase of wood stoves for families in need, medical and educational institutions

The blockade of Artsakh has resulted in shortages of not only food, but also energy. Since January 9, 2023, the supply of electricity from Armenia to Artsakh has been erratic, and currently, the supply of energy is facilitated through very limited domestic resources. The gas supply is also constantly interrupted. Faced with frigid winter conditions, the population of Artsakh (120,000) has been severely affected by the lack of energy and gas supply. In the absence of these critical resources, low-income families are unable to heat their homes, therefore, to ease their situation, wood stoves will be provided to them as part of the project. The stoves will also be given to hospitals, schools and other educational institutions.

There is a pumping water supply system in Stepanakert, the pressure for which is created by electric pumps. In the case of a 4-hour power outage, more than a third of the city’s residents are deprived of water. This project envisions the installation of emergency generators for the water supply system.

A similar situation exists in other regions of Artsakh. The existing mobile generators of the department responsible for water supply to the regions outside Stepanakert need to be equipped with additional electric batteries. The implementation of the project will help achieve an increase in domestic production in emergency situations.

In case of the need to use electronic devices in the field, portable solar generators make it possible to always have communication facilities (telephone, walkie-talkie), computer, and other devices at hand at special facilities.

The problems

Ensuring uninterrupted water supply to Stepanakert in the absence of electricity
Replenishing the pumping water supply system of the regions with electric batteries for mobile power generators in order to increase reliability
Providing the Government of Artsakh with the ability to rely on the use a number of technical means and devices in the field
Providing more than 1,000 low-income families, as well as medical and educational institutions in Stepanakert with wood stoves

Implementing partners

“Electrical Networks of Armenia” CJSC; Water Committee of the Republic of Artsakh; Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Artsakh; Stepanakert City “Water Station” CJSC

Geography

Artsakh

Beneficiaries

Approximately 20,000 residents of Stepanakert, its environs and of the regions, of them 1,000 low-income families from Stepanakert

Program effectiveness

The diesel generators will be handed over to Stepanakert City “Water Station” CJSC to provide uninterrupted water supply to the city’s residents.
The electric batteries will be handed over to the state “Water Supply” CJSC under the auspices of the Water Committee for quick response during emergencies connected with disruptions of water supply in the regions through mobile generators.
The portable solar generators will be handed over to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Artsakh for use in civil defense or other emergency situations.
Further maintenance and operation will be carried out by the organizations.
More than 1,000 families in need will be able to heat their homes both this year and next. The Stepanakert municipality will provide them with firewood.

* The implementation of the project depends on the availability of transportation, possibly with the support of the Red Cross and/or other humanitarian actors.