A bidding procedure in respect to construction works on  Masrik Solar Plant in Armenia is to be announced in late March in Armenia. 

ArmInfo. In late March this week an international bidding procedure will be announced in respect to 50 mWt capacity Solar Energy Plant at the Masrik site of gegharkunik region of Armenia. This was stated by Hayk  Haroutyunyan, the Deputy Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources stated in his interview to ArmInfo.

According to him, currently the process of prequalification criteria is under development is close to completion. In   late January of this year within the framework of investment forum different companies presented their positions in respect to this issue. Based on the results of discussion a roster of criteria was capsulated  and is subject to be reflected in the tender reference. Harutyunyan mentioned that more than 40 foreign companies expressed interest in participation in the tender mentioned. "But our goal is to  get involved in the tender procedure only high skilled teams and highly qualified companies. The companies having no appropriate performance history, should be excluded from the tender. Within the project we want to obtain a modern, technically  fully equipped  plant. And we do not need companies with suspicious performance history, which will present their proposals, but after may avoid observing  the liabilities undertaken," the Deputy Minister stated adding that only those companies passed the prequalification stage will be allowed to participate in the tender.  

To recall, the tender on construction of a power station with a capacity of 50MW will be announced in February this year. More than 30 foreign companies and 300 participants take part in the forum that has kicked of in Yerevan today. Within the forum investment package on development of solar energy in Armenia will be presented to foreign companies. Considering drop of world prices on production of equipment for solar power plants the Armenian authorities are sure that it will be possible to produce electricity on acceptable tariff.

To note, the Spanish company of Acciona,  the worldwide leader of the renewable energy production, is intended to invest this year about EUR 600-700 mln in the construction of  energy parks. The management of the company estimates to invest the same volumes in the projects of alternative electric power annually until the year of 2020. The total volumes of  investments estimated for the current period forms EUR 3,5 bln, EUR 2 bln of which will be allocated for the construction of units  located out of Spain. " We have studied proposals from more than 100 countries of the world, interested in solar and wind plants construction. Now we have to choose projects that will be priorities for us," Jose Manuel Entrecanales, the President of Acciona Company said at the meeting of shareholders

According to him, the company is intended not only to participate to the construction contract bidding in respect to construction of  50 mW capacity solar plant  at the site of Masrik in Gegharkunik marz, but also to raise photo voltage  generating units with a capacity of 150 mW. But  there are some state guarantees of indemnity  needed to launch the project, Araras said. "We want to enter Armenian market for a long time, for 25 years as the minimum, and we should be sure our investments will be protected," the representative of the Company said, adding that beside solar generation, the company is occupied in developing a wind energy plant in the area of lake Sevan.

Climate Investment Fund for Development of Alternative Energy has provided $28 mln to Armenia, from which $2 mln are grant funds and $26 loan. The loan terms are quite soft-0.25% annual interest rate with 40 years term and 20 years of grace period. The grant funds are used for studying the locations, developing feasibility study of the project for building stations with 100-120 MW capacity.  Relevant framework is being prepared including legal and normative acts, assessment of influence on nature.  Currently 6 projects have been developed, which will be put to tender. The winner will be the one who offers the lowest tariff.  Sub-loan agreement will be signed with the winner.