Armenia has launched a tender for a 55 MW solar power plant in the Masrik region of Gegharkunik province. The project cost is estimated to be around $40 to $60 million.
The tender is being conducted by the Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund. Private developers or consortia can bid to design, finance, build, own and operate (DFBOO) the 55 MW Masrik-1 Solar PV Plant.
A special purpose company to be owned 100% by the successful bidder will have to be incorporated in Armenia.
Only pre-qualified bidders will be eligible to participate in the request for proposal (RFP) stage. Bids will be accepted until June 16, 2017.
Deputy Minister Hayk Harutyunyan of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources reportedly shared with Arka News Agency that about 40 companies have expressed interest in the project. "The tender is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2018," he said. Harutyunyan believes the tariff for this project is expected to be 'record low'.
The government can scale up the capacity of the project up to 100 MW, depending on investors interest.
Details about the tender are available on the website of the Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund.
In March 2017, UAE based Ocean Holding LLC reportedly announced plans to invest $100 million to develop solar projects in Armenia (see Up To 120 MW PV Planned In Armenia).