Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Submits 2015 Performance Report
Chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, the Cabinet discussed the annual performance report of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia, which covered the Ministry’s key activities, its compliance with the Government’s action plan, priority tasks and estimated performance in 2015.
Minister Yervand Zakharyan informed that following relevant discussions and negotiations, the financing of the Iran-Armenia 400 kV overhead power transmission line project resumed in September, 2015. The project is scheduled for completion in 24 months. In addition, around Euro 178 million has been committed under the loan agreement signed with a view to implementing the first two phases of the Armenia-Georgia 400 kV overhead power transmission line project.
A grant contribution of up to 10 million euros is going to be allocated by the European Commission. Yervand Zakharyan further said that the procurement of systems and complex equipment necessary for extension of the operational term of the Armenian NPP has kicked off, which is expected to be completed in September, 2016.
Regarding the agreement signed between the Republic of Armenia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Minister Zakharyan stated that the access road and drilling platform construction activities have already started within the framework of a USD 8.55 million grant facility with a view to implementing the Geothermal Exploration Drilling Program, which is proceeding according to the established timetable. A tender is on for narrow digging wells.
Appreciating the work done by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan stressed the importance of effective implementation of all the specified programs and urged the Ministry to be consistent in solving the existing problems.
