Empowering Sustainable Development: Armenia’s Quest for Green E-Mobility

Armenia has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable development, articulating a robust commitment to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although introduction of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) requirements is essential to sustainable development, Armenia still lacks a standardised framework to tackle ESG-related matters, and has not introduced mandatory ESG reporting, to state the least. However, committed to achieving SDGs by 2030, Armenia has strategically integrated sustainable practices into its policy framework, showcasing a holistic approach to economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection.

Noteworthy initiatives include the implementation of climate change screening requirements for public investment projects, the approval of the 2022–2030 National Program on Energy Saving and Renewable Energy, amendments to legislation addressing air pollution for enhanced monitoring of GHG emissions, and the adoption of various policies and legislative changes to align with the SDGs.

In the realm of issues that the government is presently working to manage and regulate within its commitment to SDGs, particular emphasis is, inter alia, placed on matters concerning waste management and questions surrounding GHG emissions.

A notable illustration of these ongoing efforts is found in the proposed amendments to the law “On Waste” dated 7 January 2005. The amendments underscore Armenia’s commitment to introduce the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme and to improve waste management practices.

Armenia has also pledged to reduce its GHG emissions, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (ratified in 2017). Pursuant to its nationally determined contribution for 2021–2030, Armenia aims to achieve a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Regarding GHG emissions, transport’s share is essential and constitutes 32%, and hence transition to green transportation is at the centre of the actions taken by the Armenian government.

Several research results indicate a recent increase of road transport emissions which is caused by prevalence of outdated and inefficient vehicle technologies, and a growing volume of traffic. On its way to building a climate-resilient and green economy, Armenia has identified nine main domains, and the transition to smart and green multi-model transportation is at the forefront.

Based on the studies showing that electric vehicles (EVs) could play a pivotal role in reducing transport-related emissions in the country, the Armenian government, in its Action Plan of 2021–2026, has already articulated the need to develop a strategic framework for the encouragement of electric vehicles around the country, where the issues related to infrastructure development are crucial.

E-mobility market development has already started, mostly relying on the investments of private individuals and businesses. Research and interviews with stakeholders have revealed the current state of regulations and identified the following deficiencies in the existing framework.

Based on international best practice and experience, we consider that, to promote e-mobility development, several questions and obstacles in legislation should be considered and regulated, particularly the following.

In summary, Armenia is proactively shaping a legislative framework to address sustainable development concerns, placing significant emphasis on the promotion and oversight of green transportation to align with global obligations for reducing GHG emissions. The next important step of ESG compulsory reporting is under discussion and expected to also enter the Armenian regulatory framework.