Thursday, October 12 2023 12:27

ArmInfo. On October 12, the Government of Armenia approved the draft decree of the President of  the Republic of Armenia "On approval of the financial agreement "Sustainable energy, energy security and climate change resilience in rural areas of Armenia" between the Republic of Armenia and the European Commission> with a budget of 6.5 million euros.

Earlier, on June 29, the RA Cabinet of Ministers approved the  proposal to sign a corresponding agreement.  As stated in the  explanation to the document, the Armenian government sets a goal to  increase the share of solar energy production in the total volume to  15% by 2030, which corresponds to the principles of the "European  Green Deal".

The conclusion of the agreement is related to the implementation of  the UN Sustainable Development Goals (goal 7 - "ensuring access to  affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources for  all"), the obligations undertaken by the RA-EU Comprehensive and  Enhanced Partnership Agreement, comparison and analysis of donor  organizations carried out within the framework of the High-Level  Initiative on Energy Efficiency, as well as from the RA strategy for  the development of the energy sector until 2040, the program "Energy  Saving and Renewable Energy Sources 2022-2030".

The overall goals of the financing agreement are aimed at overcoming  energy poverty in Armenia, increasing energy security and  independence, mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change,  and protecting natural resources and ecosystems. To achieve these  goals, it is planned to increase access to energy efficient and  sustainable energy solutions in rural areas.

The project will be implemented in four regions of Armenia: Tavush,  Shirak, Gegharkunik and Syunik regions. Energy efficient equipment,  solar water heaters, photovoltaic installations, thermal insulation  works will be introduced in low-income households and public  buildings in rural areas where general access to sustainable energy  is difficult. At the same time, awareness-raising activities will be  implemented regarding energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy  sources, energy saving measures, which will contribute to changing  practices and behavior among the population.

It is noted that the implementation of the project will provide an  opportunity to create an improved environment for energy efficient  and sustainable energy solutions in accordance with EU best practices  in Armenia, to have energy efficient solutions in rural areas, to  increase awareness and financial support for renewable energy  sources.