Shtigen "to export" Armenian solar energy experience to Georgia

YEREVAN, JULY 4, ARMENPRESS. Shtigen Group is set to share the best Armenian experience in the field of solar energy with the Georgian market. The company has been operating in the field of solar energy for more than 10 years.

Initially, it  focused on thermal energy, solar water heaters, and later, also in the installation of photovoltaic plants with solar electricity. Shtigen Energy Systems is part of the Shtigen Group, which unites several companies.

The group also includes Andron, which operates in the field of electric transport. Andron imports and sells electric cars, provides car servicing, and has prospective plans to develop an electric car charging network. Enerex, a part of the Shtigen Group,  is engaged in the wholesale and retail sale of electrical energy.

The main goal of Shtigen Ventures is to attract private investments to finance both Shtigen projects and other interesting projects in the above fields.

Armenpress has interviewed Hayk Shekyan, founder and director of Shtigen Group, about the development of the solar energy sector in Armenia, exporting Armenian experience and knowledge in the field to Georgia and other topics.

Shtigen expands the geography of its activities

At Shtigen, they do not even consider moving from Armenia. They view Armenia as their primary place of activity, with the most important  problems to be solved there. However, growth also means seeking new opportunities and new fields. Thus, they have decided to take the Armenian experience to the Georgian market as well.

"Applying our knowledge and experience there will open up many opportunities both for us as a knowledge-exporting entity and for the local players as we transfer new styles and new knowledge to them. I am very happy that the development of the solar energy sector in Armenia has progressed to the point where we are now becoming an exporter of knowledge in this field. There has been a demand from the Georgian market; these impulses have been coming for several years," said Hayk Shekyan.

Shtigen is convinced that their presence in Georgia can ensure the rapid development of the solar energy sector. Moreover, they treat the Georgian market with the same care as the Armenian market. Shtigen will act as a local company in Georgia, doing everything possible to develop the Georgian market in line with the country's national interest.

The company is currently participating in the Georgia Energy Exhibition and Forum held in Georgia on July 4-5.

"I think it would be a serious incentive for market players to look at the sector from different angles, to review decisions, and to make new ones," said Hayk Shekyan, the founding director of Shtigen Group.

However, the company will not be limited to the Georgian market. Their ambitions are high; they also find the markets of Central Asia and the Middle East interesting. This year, however, the emphasis is on strengthening the Georgian market.

Shtigen as the largest solar plant builder in Armenia

Shtigen is currently building the largest solar plant in Armenia, Masrik-1. The start of the project was not very successful due to the coronavirus pandemic, war, and other reasons. However, the deadlines have been extended, and most of the problems have been overcome.

 "We are in the final stage. We will finish our part in 1-2 months. I think there will be an announcement about the successful completion of the project in autumn of the current year," said Shekyan.

He considers the project important for Armenia, not only from the point of view of the electric energy it provides.

"Unfortunately, in the international arena, Armenia is sometimes perceived as a country with a risk of war and not very attractive from a business perspective. From that point of view, it is very important to successfully complete this project and show the world that everything is possible here if you work properly," said the founding director of Shtigen Group.

Shtigen's role in ensuring the country's energy independence

Shtigen has designed, built and maintains large solar power plants in Armenia, significantly reducing electricity costs. What does the company give to the country and the economic environment, Shekyan has explained: "One of the positive outcomes is a reduction in the importation of electricity and less dependence on imported energy sources such as gas, gasoline, and nuclear energy. This enhances our independence. In order to reduce dependence in the long term, we need to use our resources - solar, wind - to the maximum, apply new technologies, develop the market and be able to have such agreements and exchanges with Georgia and Iran as to be as independent as possible."

In this regard, he believes that theoretical independence by 100 percent is possible.

Moreover, the use of solar energy has the potential to become more competitive in the long term. Shekyan noted that the constructed stations are long-term assets that will supply cheaper electricity to the national grid, thereby contributing to the formation of a more competitive and accessible tariff environment in the long run.

Using solar energy also allows for lower emissions. Energy independence is definitely an important issue in today's world. However, Shekyan considers important to make maximum use of renewable energy sources, to reach zero emissions (net zero). A number of countries have already made deadlines and commitments to achieve this.

Shtigen also has a positive impact on the economy through job creation. Depending on the season, they have around 200 employees. At the moment, the number can even reach 300, due to the construction of the largest solar plant, only about 80 people are involved in this work.

Founder and director of Shtigen Group also tries to promote Armenian-Indian business ties.

Hayk Shekyan, the founding director of Shtigen Group, is also the co-founder of the Armenia-India Business Council. The initiative was initiated by the Indian partner and endorsed by the Armenian partners. Together, they founded the council with participation from both Armenian and Indian partners.

"We have new opportunities for cooperation with India. We decided to create a structure that will promote trade between the two countries in a cooperative environment. We have already managed to carry out certain activities, we have identified the main directions of work, we have had meetings with Armenian businessmen. Exporters have interest in exporting products from chocolate, wine and many other sectors. There is a perception that export markets should be diversified," Shekyan said.

The council, by the way, was one of the sponsors of the 2024 APRI Forum recently held in Yerevan.

A series of exhibitions will be held in India in autumn. They plan to participate in one of them, establish relations with Indian businessmen, convey the message of Armenian businessmen.

Shtigen as bearer of national responsibility

As part of corporate national responsibility, Shtigen implemented the "Sunrise in Artsakh" project, now known as "Sunrise," in Artsakh. Shekyan explained why they emphasize corporate national responsibility rather than social responsibility: "Corporate national responsibility does not mean only Armenian corporate responsibility. For us, it's Armenian; for a Georgian, it's Georgian. It's important to us that those dealing with Shtigen feel like themselves. We are a business, pursuing profit, but in a non-material, non-financial dimension, we aim for people to derive maximum value and feel they are contributing for their family, their country, their homeland."

The goal of "Sunrise in Artsakh" was to establish energy independence in Artsakh through solar technologies. Solar water heaters and photovoltaic plants were installed in households, educational institutions, and medical facilities. All of this was carried out in cooperation with various pan-Armenian programs. After the events in Artsakh, Shtigen redirected its focus towards Armenia, including the people of Artsakh.

 In cooperation with the Viva Foundation, solar water heaters are  installed on the roofs of compatriots displaced from Artsakh. Through a donation from the company "Telcell," a program prepared for the Martuni Vocational College in Artsakh will be implemented here, at the Noyemberyan State College.

"The 'Sunrise' project is very important for its profound goals, but in everyday work, much more remains to be done. As a company, we strive to show our employees, who are tired from the struggle, that their efforts were not in vain. We aim to demonstrate through our own example that significant results can be achieved through unity around a common goal. And yes, don't be afraid of big goals," said Shekyan, adding that today Shtigen employs over 15 people from Artsakh.