Within the next 3-4 years Karabakh will not only ensure its energy independence, but will also become an electric power exporter. According to experts, the effective use of rich water resources of Karabakh, particularly, the water of the mountain rivers will allow fulfilling all the outlined plans.
ArmInfo correspondent in Stepanakert reports with reference to the NKR Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan that the total potential of the republic allows generating up to 700 mln KW/h electric power per annum. Today the domestic energy consumption is about 250 mln KW/h. Sansang hydropower plant in Martakert region with 50 MW capacity, which generated 90-140 mln KW/h electric power annually, only satisfied up to 50% of the republic's needs. The rest of the necessary power was imported from Armenia. The small Trge-1 hydropower plant in the same region annually generates 16.5 mln KW/h electric power. This is the first of the three hydropower plants to be set up on the River Trge. The three hydropower plants will generate a total of 65.5 mln KW/h electric power. With the launch of 3 more small hydropower plants - Trge-2, Madaghis-1 and Madaghis-2, about 80% of the electric energy input in the NKR will be ensured. In 2011 the total investment in construction of the hydropower plants will be about 1 bln 700 mln AMD (about 4 mln 700 thsd USD).
It is also envisaged to build hydropower plants with the capacity of about 30 MW in Kashatagh region. Approximately 200 job positions will be opened with the launch of these plants. Two years ago relevant personnel training started on the basis the Artsakh State University.
For consistent implementation of the energy supply program, Artsakh HPP OJSC was set up in November 2007 by the decision of the NKR government. Under an investment program, the joint-stock company issues shares and sells them to both individuals and legal entities at an affordable price of 1050 AMD per share (the nominal price is 1000 AMD).
By participating in the program, the citizens become co-owners of the hydropower plant and receive a profit of up to 15%. Thus, the population of Artsakh, Armenia and Diaspora is directly involved in development of the NKR energy sphere.
The NKR government also approved a concept for using alternative energy resources. The state program to be implemented under this concept aims to develop the production of electric and thermal power on the basis of its own resources, reduce the negative impact of the imported energy resources fluctuation, etc.
The NKR Premier Ara Haroutyunyan thinks that the republic's domestic needs in thermal power will be satisfied due to biofuel, and many populated areas will have autonomous electric power supply. The development of the biofuel system envisages opening of heat entities and hundreds of new job positions.
In addition, Bioenergetika LLC has been set up. It invites foreign specialists to Karabakh, who study the republic's opportunities and discuss the development prospects with the local specialists. Experts say that Karabakh has enough forest resources, and the timber reserves can not only be used to supply the republic with thermal and electric power, but can also be exported to other countries.
According to preliminary estimations, due to the timber waste in the NKR, it is possible to obtain 330 MW of thermal power, 85 MW of electric power; and additional 80 MW of thermal power and 20 MW of electric power can be obtained from the wheat and corn stems.
A new woodworking enterprise has been opened in Avetaranots village of Askeran region of Karabakh. The enterprise is equipped with Swedish and Finnish facilities. Within the next few years the NKR will take measures to create solar power systems.
