Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources gives progress report on implementation of reforms

Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan reported to the President on the implementation of reforms, the expected results, ongoing projects and the possibilities for tackling the existing problems. The President was briefed on regional cooperation programs and the activities carried out in this direction, including specifically the construction of Iran-Armenia and Armenia-Georgia high-voltage power transmission lines.

The President instructed the Minister to speed up work and do everything possible to complete the projects within the prescribed time limits, stressing that they are essential to Armenia’s energy system security and reliability, as well as in terms of ensuring our country’s involvement in regional programs.

Ashot Manukyan next reported progress in the implementation of the high-voltage electrical network substations’ refurbishment and modernization program and the expected results. The Minister referred to the renewal and modernization of the Armenian NPP plant’s second unit, including the ongoing activities and future plans.

Prioritizing the nuclear power plant’s renewal, the President instructed the Minister to keep it under strict control with a special focus on the plant’s safety status. Ashot Manukyan also presented the key provisions set out in the revised concept of Armenia’s energy sector development program (for the period up to 2036). The Minister next reported on the prospects for development of “green energy” in Armenia, including the projects based on solar, wind-powered energy and electricity obtained from the processing of solid waste, as well as on the prospects of regional cooperation.

Reference was made to the efficiency in the management of mineral resources, environmental problems and the need for a comprehensive study of subsoil resources. The President issued a number of instructions to that effect. President Sargsyan instructed the Minister to speed up work on the assessment of alternative options in order to address the needs of households in non-gasified areas, finding effective ways of solving the problems in border communities as a priority.