ARTSAKH'S ENERGY SECURITY: POST-WAR CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES (original) (raw)

The article considers the main risks and challenges to the energy security of the Republic of Artsakh in the period after the 44-day war in 2020. An analysis of the development of the energy system of Artsakh is carried out to determine its strengths and future potential. The state program for the development of water resources with a focus on the development of hydropower is analyzed. The potential for the development of electricity exports from Artsakh to Armenia in the pre-war period is discussed. The features of the legislative framework for the energy sector of Artsakh are presented, particularly focused on the Law on Energy and the Law on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. It is revealed that these laws have great conceptuality and systematic approaches, but they need to be adapted to modern, post-war realities. The main consequences of the 44-day war for the energy sector of Artsakh are studied. The main hydropower plants (HPPs) that passed to Azerbaijan as a result of the war are indicated. The problems of natural gas supplies to Artsakh are considered separately. In particular, the causes and consequences of the accident at the Shushi-Lisagor-Berdzor section in March 2022 are considered. It is established that the longterm paralysis of gas transmission communications in Artsakh should be assessed from the point of view of international law. The author's maps are presented, reflecting the features of energy infrastructures, as well as the energy potential of Artsakh. It wis revealed that the developed maps can significantly help the authorities of Artsakh in improving the efficiency of energy policy, as well as in developing a new doctrine and a ''road map'' to ensure energy security.