ARMENIA ON THE WAY OF RENEWING THE ENERGY

Aysor
Oct 23 2009
Armenia

Armenia as a country without its own fuel resources is completely
dependent on imported fuel and has to make the best use of energy
resources. To this end, Armenia’s Government pays special attention
to strategy of renewing and saving the energy. Aysor’s correspondent
asked the head of Energy Renewing Fund, Ara Mardjanyan, what is the
situation in the field of energy in Armenia.

"In comparison with neighbors’ background, the situation in the field
of energy in Armenia is not bad. Armenia is the only state in the
Caucasus which makes use of a wind power station – Lori-1 station
at Pushkin Pass. In addition, in Armenia’s Lusakert we operate power
plant based on biomass which is the first one in the Caucasus. 55-56
little hydro-electric power stations were built in Armenia over past
4 years and now successfully operate," said Ara Mardjanyan.

The introduction of tariffs explains the development of little
hydro-electric power stations, says the expert, while tariffs for
solar energy do not exist and private companies have no interest in it.

The table of rates is determined by the State Commission on regulation
of public services, and it hasn’t been set a tariff upon solar energy
as it too expansive at this stage.

"The solar electricity costs twice as much as hydro- or wind power
energy. However, the point is that the solar energy is one of the
most falling in price field all over the world. Our table of rates
must take into account some stimulating elements, seeing that field
of renewing energy has strategic importance."