Study Resource Efficiency Gains and Green Growth Perspectives in Armenia HarUtJun Khachatrian September 2012 n Armenia’s energy efficiency in relation to its GDP increased in recent years. This is of particular importance as Armenia used to be an economy based solely on industrial production for many years. Today, export and exploitation of the scarce natural re­sources based on cheap labour dominate the country’s economy. Energy saving and energy generation from renewable energy sources are rare. n Political support for green growth and progressive energy politics is relatively low. The main political factors hindering such development are considered the reliance on nuclear energy of the political elite and the persistence of regional conflicts, most importantly Nagorno Karabakh. There have been some initiatives launched, mainly shaped by international or European standards. Public debate emphasizes the risks rather than the benefits of green technology. n Currently, Armenia has no special programme for developing green technologies or creating green jobs. The potential for green jobs cannot be easily estimated as there is no reliable data. The Industry and housing sector provides the main potential for energy saving. Currently, renewables do not play a major role, but the most prom­ising ones are considered hydro power and waste. As Armenia’s innovation rate increased in recent years, it does have the potential to create green technologies.