"Zhoghovurd". The frequency of the ENA is synchronized with Iran: risks due to the Strait of Hormuz

The Zhoghovurd daily writes: “The escalation of US-Iranian relations and the tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz have created new risks not only for global energy markets, but also for regional energy systems. In this context, the Zhoghovurd daily has officially requested the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia to understand to what extent Armenia’s energy security is protected from possible external shocks.

The scenario under which Donald Trump threatens tough action against Iran, including targeting energy infrastructure, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, is being actively discussed in international expert circles. This is a particularly sensitive issue for Armenia, as the country’s energy system is technically interconnected with Iran.

Synchronous system with risks and control

According to the response received from the Ministry 1 month later, “The Armenia-Iran inter-system power transmission line ensures the synchronous operation of the power systems of the two countries,” and “the primary frequency regulation is carried out by the more powerful Iranian power system.”

This means that the Armenian power system, the frequency of the networks, has a certain dependence on the Iranian system. However, according to the official explanation, the risks have been assessed, and countermeasures are in place. As the Ministry notes: “In the event of a large-scale accident in Iran’s energy infrastructure, an assessment of the impact of their possible risks on the RA power system has been carried out.”

Emergency scenarios and countermeasures

The responsible bodies do not exclude that in the event of a failure of the inter-system connection, “frequency fluctuations and separation of power systems” may occur. However, according to the ministry, action plans have been developed in advance for such scenarios.

In particular, it is noted: “The system operator has developed and implemented appropriate instructions, as well as system anti-accident automation, which allows stabilizing the situation as quickly as possible and independently regulating the frequency.”

In addition, additional measures are also planned to increase the flexibility and resilience of the system.

NPP shutdown: an additional challenge?

The discussion of risks also coincides with another important factor - the planned shutdown of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The ministry confirms that it is being implemented from April 1, 2026, for a period of about 5 months, and emphasizes that the process is planned in advance.

“The shutdown was carried out in accordance with the established procedure, in accordance with the projected structure of annual electricity production in 2026,” the response states.

Instead, reserve capacities are being activated to ensure system stability. In particular: • 467 MW "Hrazdan-5" power unit, • two units of "Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant" with a total capacity of 400 MW.

According to the Ministry's assessment, these resources "fully ensure the proper level of reliability of the power system."

What is happening in Hormuz now

As of April 30, 2026, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. If before the regional military operations, an average of 125-140 ships passed through the strait per day, according to recent data, this number has decreased to several ships per day.

Navigation is mainly carried out through Iranian territorial waters, and the uncertainty of routes is high. Despite the fact that the US-Iran ceasefire has been reached, the lack of a full agreement maintains a high level of risks. The idea of ​​​​Iran introducing a payment system for passage through the strait is also being discussed, which may create additional complications for international trade.

As a result,

Armenia's energy system continues to operate in an interconnected regional environment, where external risks cannot be completely isolated. Although official bodies assure that risk assessments have been carried out and anti-crisis mechanisms are in place, at the same time it is obvious that the system has a certain dependence on external factors, especially on the Iranian energy system.

Combining the temporary shutdown of the nuclear power plant and regional tensions, the coming months may become a serious test for the energy management system. And its effectiveness will depend not only on technical readiness, but also on the ability to manage operations and respond flexibly.

In short, we continue to hang by a thread, since the alternative program of energy dependence on Iran in the Lori region has not yet received flesh and blood. The frequency of Armenia's electrical networks, according to professional assessments, continues to remain synchronized with Iran.