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.