Drilling Works Launched in Qarqar

Drilling works were launched in Qarqar for building geothermal station. In case geological investigation results are positive, the construction of a geothermal power plant with a capacity of 30 MW is planned. It will produce up to 250 million kilowatts of electricity per year.

Drilling works are carried out by the funding from the Climate Investment Funds (9 million dollars) in cooperation with the Government of Armenia (2 million dollars). Drilling of three wells with dept of 1.5 thousand meters is planned. On the basis of the investigation results the final assessment of the geothermal resource will be prepared. Moreover, on the basis of the results an international competition will be announced in order to find investors for the construction of the station. The priority will be given to the project participants, offering the lowest cost.

The priority will be considered as project participants, offering the most cost of construction of the plant is estimated at about $100 million. The cost of construction of the plant is estimated to be around $100 million. In case of the successful construction and proper operation, the plant will produce environmentally friendly and renewable energy and will become a long-term source of electricity.

One of the main goals of the strategy of RA energy sector development is to increase the country's dependence on clean and renewable domestic energy production. Geothermal energy is considered to be one of the main ways to achieve this goal.

Geothermal potential in Qarqar has been investigated since 1932. Investigations have confirmed the existence of significant geothermal resources in the area.