ArmInfo. Prior to holding international tender on construction of a photovoltaic solar station of industrial importance an investment forum will be held within "Energy Week" in Yerevan between January 25 and 27. The main goal of the forum is to discuss possibilities of attracting investments in construction of the solar station, the press service of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia informs. It is expected that local and foreign investors, representatives of international financial organizations will take part in the forum.
As it is known in the end of last year the Armenian government approved investment program on construction of photovoltaic stations, the total cost of which is estimated at $129 mln. Within the program it is planned to construct stations of industrial importance with a capacity to up to 110 MW in various regions of Armenia. Spanish consulting company Aries Ingenieria has already presented technical economic feasibility study for two locations out of 6 researched ones. It is planned to announce an international tender in February for construction of the station.
Earlier in his interview to ArmInfo Hayk Harutyunyan stated that for implementation of this project it is important to have a large area for balancing the production and consumption, to decrease a negative impact of the varying energy. Along with the development of the network the tariffs will be also revised. The second stage will be the construction of a larger solar plant. This process was launched in 2014 but active work has started recently. 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.