Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and French Ambassador to Armenia discussed energy cooperation issues

ArmInfo. Minister of Energy and  Natural Resources of Armenia Ashot Manukyan met with Ambassador of  France to Armenia Jonathan Lacote on January 18.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Energy, the meeting  discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two  countries in the energy, water and mining sectors.

Speaking about the Armenian-French economic cooperation, Ashot  Manukyan touched upon the implementation of a number of joint  projects. The French government supported the construction of the  reservoir of Vedi. In this issue, the role of Veolia Jur in the  context of the introduction of a new quality and culture in the  management of Armenia's water resources was emphasized. Taking into  account the company's extensive experience, opportunities for  cooperation with Veolia Jur are also discussed in other areas. This  applies, in particular, to the implementation of the project on waste  disposal in the Kotayk region. Speaking about nuclear energy, Ashot  Manukyan emphasized cooperation, especially in the field of nuclear  waste management. The minister expressed confidence that the  cooperation will continue in the near future.

Jonathon Lacote noted that efficiency issues in the Armenian-French  economic relations are a priority. A number of French companies are  already working in this area. According to the Ambassador, efforts  will be intensified after the adoption of the law on cooperation  between the private and public sectors, which many companies are  waiting for.

Noting that the bill is ready, the minister urged not to wait for his  adoption. "The government has adopted the concept stemming from this  bill, which is working successfully. The first major project to be  implemented within this framework is the Shnokh HPP project, in which  US Robins takes part," Ashot Manukyan said.

It is expected that the second major project will be implemented with  the participation of the French company Schneider Electric. Within  the framework of public-private partnership, construction of a solar  station and a 10 MWh battery in Ddmashen is planned. The minister  said that contacts have been initiated with LG and TESLA. The  participation in the project will be discussed in the future with  Schneider Electric.