New requirements to be set for small HEPs

ArmInfo. Technical  facilities of Armenian HEPs (Hydro Electric Plants) is at low level,  which negatively impacts both the energy production process and the  efficient use of water resources. Considering this factor, it is  planned to implement  parameters that could give an option to solve  the problem.  

Following the words of the Energy Infrastructures and  Natural  Resources  Renewable Energy and Energy Saving Department  Head  Hayk   Badalyan, the most  of small HEPs operated in Armenia are equipped  with non-licensed, old and cheap facilities.  Armenia has not single  standards and  technical requirements to operate this appliances. The  issue of technical references implementation in respect to the  equipment of small HEPs  is under Eurasian Economic Commission   review. It is expected, that along with the adoption of  new  technical standards the situation in the aspect of small HEPs will be  improved, and in the future will give an option for sustainable  development of Armenian energetic framework, and the environmental  impact of small HEPs  will be decreased to the possible minimum.  

Armenian  Government at December 29 session approved the Country  Hydro Energy  Development Concept. The main purpose of the document  is to define  the vision of energy sector development.  Particularly,  the matter is the further process of Small Hydro Power  Plants  construction and in estimation of the necessity to construct a   hydropower accumulating plant. This concept will pass a new pulse to  involve new investment, as far as a number of arrangements in respect   to this Concept is planned to be developed.  For instance,   arrangements giving an option to implement investments are planned,   which will lead to the safety improvement within the energy framework   of the country. Talking bout the decision taken. Prime Minister Karen   Karapetyan accentuated the importance of the soonest completion of  construction works at three HPPs - Meghri, Lori-Berd and Shnokh -   with total capacity set at 300 mWt, from the point of energy system   security. Besides, the Government approved the Investment Project on  Photo Voltage Line Electric Power Plant. The Spanish Company of   Arievs Engineria has already implemented the studies necessary and   developed the technical reference for Photo Voltage Solar Plant  construction at two sites. Another four sites are under study in   progress. The Project is aimed at the development of Solar Energy in   Armenia, improvement of the energy safety and environment protection.   Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Minister Ashot MAnukyan   mentioned that within a purpose of new investments involvement, the   Ministry plans to conduct an Investment Forum in late January 2017,  to discuss the opportunities of investments attraction. Commenting   this decision, Karen Karapetyan, The Prime Minister, stated that   Projects submitted are in essence an investment package with a cost   of USD 400-500 mln.