Armenia has a great potential for development of the renewable energy and power supply, but is using these possibilities insufficiently. This opinion has been univocally expressed by the Experts in the field of energy at the press-conference held on July 24.
According to Arman Gharibyan, the specialist in the field of alternative energy sources, the potential of solar power in Armenia allows to have a resource of three thousand MW, whereas generation of thermal power is only 5 MW. In her turn, Tamara Babayan, the Director of the Fund of renewable energy and energy saving mentioned that the percentage of use of solar energy in Armenia compared to the potential of its generation is equal to zero, and of the wind power - 0.5%. Meanwhile, the actual generation of the hydro power compared to the theoretical potential is 60%. She reminded that cheapening of the solar energy technologies has been recorded worldwide in 2014, particularly, installation of the solar energy equipment for private use may cost only USD 7 000. Such technologies are widely used by the small businesses in Armenia.
The Fund jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Natural resources of RA have developed an investment program designated for outsourcing by the International donor organizations. Within the framework of the Program it is envisaged to install solar facilities with a capacity of 40 - 50 MW by 2020. "These facilities will be connected to the common grid and would provide 8% of the power consumed in the country", said the Head of the Fund.