EU allocated to Armenia EUR 69 million for energy efficiency programs

ArmInfo. Within the framework of the action program, the EU allocated to Armenia EUR 69 million for energy efficiency programs.  EU Ambassador to Armenia  Andrea Viktorin said this at the closing ceremony of the Renewable  and Efficient Energy in Municipalities Vayk and Spitak Project on  November 30, emphasizing that assistance in this direction will be  continuous.

In this regard, she noted that under this program, 45 buildings worth  EUR 1 million were repaired. In addition, 5 solar photovoltaic  stations were built on public buildings in Spitak (1) and in Vayk(4).  The beneficiaries of the program were 1,160 people in Spitak and  2,640 people in Vayk.  According to Ms. Viktorin, energy is one of  the most important components of cooperation within the framework of  the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia  and the European Union (CEPA). <The development of the renewable  energy sector will allow Armenia to reduce its dependence on imported  energy and the negative impact on the climate>, she said.  To recall,  earlier the European Union announced its intention to increase  funding for projects in the field of Armenian energy. As noted,  special attention will be paid to issues related to the development  of alternative and renewable energy, increasing the level of energy  efficiency. For these purposes, it is even envisaged to form an  Energy Efficiency Council, which will regulate projects in this area.  Funds from the EU Eastern Partnership Program will also be attracted  to implement the programs, within which the republic will receive  about EUR 80 million. Another EUR 300 million will be allocated by  the EU and European financial institutions to improve the security of  the country's energy complex and diversify energy sources.  Most of  the funds will come in the form of loans, the other in the form of  grants. At the same time, projects in the field of energy efficiency  will be considered priority, which should be aimed at reducing  dependence on energy imports, smoothing out growing demand for it and  providing more affordable, economical, as well as environmental  energy solutions