ArmInfo. Armenia regards sustainable energy development as one of the components of the country's national security. The acting Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan stated this on July 3 at the conference "Armenia. Sail of sustainable energy development".
. According to him, in the modern world, sustainable economic development is a challenge for countries that do not have their own reserves of raw materials, and Armenia is no exception. The Acting Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the RA Government attaches great importance to the sustainable development of the economy, strengthening the potential of renewable energy, efficient use of energy in all sectors of the economy, as well as regional energy integration.
In this regard, the legislation is being consistently improved, obstacles to market liberalization are being removed, a transparent and predictable field and a favorable investment environment are being created. And state policy in the energy sector, continued Tigran Avinyan, is based on in-depth research analyzes, best practices and modern methods of long-term planning. According to the Acting Deputy Prime Minister, the government, through its instruments, contributes to the development of new energy capacities in the country. As a result of the phased liberalization of the electricity market by 2021, additional incentives will be created for all energy suppliers to develop a competitive environment and attract additional investment.
Tigran Avinyan stressed that stimulating sustainable energy from the government is considered not only as a precondition for building a safe, smart and competitive economy, but also as a means to improve the quality of life of people, ensure the availability of energy services for citizens, and solve environmental problems. In this context, Armenia cooperates with many international structures, carrying out jointly investment programs in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, which include investment projects in the field of solar and wind energy, energy efficiency of buildings, modernization of urban lighting systems, construction of new transmission lines. To note, by 2020 solar power plants with a total capacity of 110 MW are planned to be built in Armenia. The total cost of their construction program is $ 129 million. A feasibility study for the construction of solar power plants has already been prepared. Within the framework of the program, it is planned to build solar stations of industrial importance with a capacity of up to 110 megawatts in various regions of Armenia. Of the 6 surveyed locations for two, the Spanish consulting company Aries Engineering has already submitted feasibility studies. They relate to the Masrik areas in the Gegharkunik region and Dashtadem in the Aragatsotn region, and research is continuing on the other four areas. The Climate Investment Fund for the development of alternative energy provided Armenia with $ 28 million, of which $ 2 million was a grant and $ 26 million was a loan. The loan terms are soft - 0.25% per annum with a maturity of 40 years and a grace period for payments in the first 20 years. Grant funds carry out work on the study of localities, the develop.
