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Exploring International Best Practices for Regulatory Sandboxes in the Armenian Energy Sector

Advancing Energy Solutions in Armenia: Storage Systems and Peer-to-Peer Trading

This research evaluates how energy storage and community-level peer-to-peer trading can support grid stability in Armenia and proposes regulatory sandbox frameworks for scaling these solutions.

Abstract: Armenia’s rapid solar energy expansion has created unprecedented grid stability challenges, with autonomous solar producers increasing from 800 to 39,345 between 2019 and 2025, totaling 508 MW capacity. While this growth reflects successful renewable energy policies and regulations, it has exposed critical vulnerabilities. With more than 70% dependence on imported natural gas and aging Soviet-era infrastructure, energy security risks are rising. This research investigates how energy storage systems, combined with peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, can stabilize Armenia’s grid while advancing the renewable energy transition. Through legal analysis, international case studies, and stakeholder interviews, the study will:

• develop regulatory frameworks, including sandbox models,

• formulate policy recommendations to accelerate technology adoption.

Expected outcomes include a peer-reviewed research paper, a policy white paper with a draft legislative package, a community implementation framework, and a public awareness strategy. The research addresses a critical gap in Armenia’s energy storage strategy, providing evidence-based solutions for grid stability that can inform similar transition economies pursuing renewable energy integration.

Marina Vardanyan

Marina Vardanyan

Dr. Marina Vardanyan is an energy, environmental, and climate specialist with extensive experience leading programs across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia. She has held senior advisory roles with USAID and serves as an evaluator for the European Commission's Horizon programme. She holds a Master's in Biophysics and a PhD in Natural Resource Management.
Fabiano Pallonetto

Fabiano Pallonetto

Dr. Fabiano Pallonetto is a Professor at the School of Business, Hamilton Institute, and Innovation Value Institute, with a background in Computer Science and Engineering. His work focuses on energy, sustainable mobility, data analytics, and optimization, bridging academia and industry. He contributes to smart grid development, carbon reduction, and advancing Sustainable Development Goals.
Amy Fahy

Amy Fahy

Dr. Amy Fahy is an Assistant Professor of Business and Management at Maynooth University, specializing in sustainable energy transition, STEM education, and leadership. With over a decade of experience in education, she focuses on connecting scientific research with society to support the transition to green energy.

Liana Simonyan

Liana Simonyan

Liana Simonyan is a Program Coordinator and Researcher at the American University of Armenia with over five years of experience. She holds an MA in Political Science and International Affairs and has contributed to EU-funded research projects, with interests in policy evaluation, survey design, migration, and data analysis.
Mane Mashinyan

Mane Mashinyan

Mane Mashinyan is a legal expert specializing in energy regulation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency policy. She has contributed to national legislation aligned with EU standards and has worked on projects supported by GIZ and UNDP, focusing on strengthening Armenia's legal and institutional frameworks for sustainable energy transition.
Astghik Baghramyan

Astghik Baghramyan

Astghik Baghramyan is a lawyer and Assistant to the Chairman of the Competition Protection Commission of Armenia. She holds an LLM from the American University of Armenia and focuses on administrative law, competition law, consumer rights, and policy development. Her research explores the legal aspects of energy transition and renewable energy policy.
Mari Avetisyan

Mari Avetisyan

Mari Avetisyan works as an Executive Assistant at the Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund, supporting project initiatives and cross-functional teams. She co-coordinated the EU-funded "TA for R2E2 Upgrade" project and holds a Master's degree in Political Science and International Affairs from AUA. Her research interests focus on regional geopolitics and energy transition policy implementation.
Knarik Jalatyan

Knarik Jalatyan

Knarik Jalatyan is a political science researcher currently pursuing an MSc at the London School of Economics. She holds a Master's degree from AUA and has experience in teaching, research, and NGO work, with interests in political behaviour, governance, and public opinion.