YEREVAN, Armenia — On July 22, the “Conference on Energy Security Aspects of Energy Transition” was held at the American University of Armenia (AUA) as part of the Horizon Europe-funded STREACS Project (Strengthening Research in Armenia for Energy Transition toward Climate Solutions).
The Conference offered a platform for exploring the complex challenges and opportunities related to securing sustainable and reliable energy systems during the global shift to cleaner energy sources.
Organized by the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, in partnership with the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, the Scientific Research Institute on Energy, Maynooth University, the University of Campania, the University of Genoa, and Artemat, the event brought together leading experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from Armenia and abroad.
Key topics included cybersecurity risks in the energy sector, the societal impacts of energy insecurity, regional geopolitical considerations, and the importance of multidisciplinary research in shaping future energy and climate policy.
The conference welcomed early-career researchers, students, and professionals in the field, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with international experts and further advancing STREACS’ commitment to capacity-building and knowledge exchange.
Among the keynote speakers, Vazha Goginashvili, chief security officer at the Georgian Energy Exchange, shared critical insights on the growing importance of cybersecurity in energy systems:
“Today’s adversaries don’t just target data — they aim to disrupt or destroy the physical infrastructure that generates and delivers energy. These attacks are designed for maximum operational impact, posing direct threats to safety, reliability, and national resilience. Cybersecurity in the energy sector is no longer optional; it is fundamental to energy security itself.”
Fabiano Pallonetto, professor at Maynooth University and director of International Renewables and Energy System Integration (IRESI), addressed the broader societal dimensions of energy security:
“Armenia stands at a crucial crossroads in its energy transition. Learning from European models like Naples’ ‘Solidarity’ approach can help ensure energy affordability for vulnerable households, while cooperative frameworks from Belgium offer promising pathways to mobilize investment and foster public engagement in renewables development. Ultimately, Armenia’s energy future depends on crafting policies and sustainable business models that empower local communities to actively participate in shaping sustainable, secure, and sovereign energy systems tailored to their unique needs.”
The event also featured dynamic panel discussions and a public lecture that underscored the essential role of research in supporting Armenia’s energy transition, promoting regional cooperation, and informing resilient policies in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Highlights included the panel discussion “Geopolitics and Regional Energy Security,” moderated by Dr. Narek Sukiasyan, AUA adjunct lecturer and researcher at the Center for Culture and Civilization Studies; the public lecture “Multidisciplinary Dimensions and Future Trends in Research on Energy and Climate Security” by Dr. Mattia De Rosa, associate professor in thermal engineering and industrial energy systems at the University of Genoa; and the panel discussion “The Role of Research in Enhancing Energy Security,” led by Alen Amirkhanian, director of the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment.
Hasmik Knyazyan, project manager for the STREACS project, concluded by underlining the initiative’s strategic goals:
“STREACS is more than a project — it is a strategy for long-term transformation. By strengthening Armenia’s research capacity in the energy transition field, we are laying the groundwork for evidence-based policy, innovation, and regional cooperation. This event is a milestone in connecting our local efforts to the global conversation on sustainable and secure energy futures.”
The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit ace.aua.am.
STREACS (Strengthening Research in Armenia for Energy Transition toward Climate Solutions) is a 36-month EU Horizon Europe-funded project uniting six research institutions and one private company from Armenia, Italy, and Ireland. The initiative aims to bolster Armenia’s research capacity in the evolving field of energy transition. For additional information and updates on STREACS. Visit ace.aua.am/projects/streacs.
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[Lurer] Էներգետիկ անցման անվտանգություն
