ArmInfo.The list of goods and equipment purchased by companies for state needs in order to develop energy-saving technologies and renewable energy sources will be determined by the RA government. The RA National Assembly at the plenary meeting on February 13 in the first reading amended the law "On Energy Saving and Renewable Energy Sources".
According to the Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia Vache Terteryan, according to the bill, products purchased to meet the needs of the state must meet the established requirements for energy efficiency. For example, during the construction of housing using state budget funds, the government will enforce the provision on the use of LED lamps as a mandatory requirement for contractors. Moreover, this requirement will be the minimum of the list of requirements that the Cabinet will determine. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that equipment purchased under state programs meets certain standards and for some reason does not suddenly turn out to be of poor quality or inefficient. In this case, the procurement of goods and equipment will be carried out on the basis of the requirements of the Law "On Procurement".
Earlier, ArmInfo reported that the European Union announced its readiness to increase funding for projects in the field of Armenian energy. Particular 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 planned to form an Energy Efficiency Council, which will regulate projects in this area. Funds of the EU Eastern Partnership Program will also be attracted for the implementation of the programs, under which the republic will receive about 80 million euros. Another 300 million euros 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 the growing demand for it and providing more affordable, economical, as well as environmental energy solutions.
Currently, residential buildings represent the largest energy-consuming sector in Armenia - about 40% of electricity and gas. The task of the EU and the Armenian authorities is to reduce this indicator in the near future to 20%, and in the long term - until 2030 - to reach almost zero energy consumption indicator (NZEB) using renewable energy sources. A long-term roadmap is also being developed, the goal of which is NZEB's 100% compliance with all new public buildings in Armenia by the middle of the century. An eco-certification procedure for green buildings is also being developed.
