"EcoLur" addressed a letter to RA Environment Ministry.
The letter particularly says:
"Dear Mr. Minister,
In 2019, RA Environment Ministry gave a positive conclusion to the "Environmental Impact Assessment Report of Masrik-1 Solar Power Station".
It should be noted that, according to the IFC (WB) Operational Policy (OP) 4.01 on Environmental Assessment, which is co-financing the Project, this project is classified as Category B, therefore it requires an EIA Report and Environmental Management Plan according to the World Bank guidelines. The other co-lender, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has the same approaches.
Requirement 1. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Their Management
Requirement 3. Resource Efficiency, Pollution Control and Prevention
Requirement 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
Published in 2016 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), “End-of-Life Management. Solar Photovoltaic Panels" study states that about 1.7 - 1.8 million tons of photovoltaic waste (cumulative) will be generated worldwide by 2030. By 2050, the volume of expired solar panels will increase to about 60-78 million tons. Recycling this amount of waste is a new challenge for the environment.
It should be noted that the conclusion of the Environmental Impact Assessment BP-0000610 issued to the environmental impact assessment report of Masrik-1 solar power station on 17.07.2019 does not ensure the fulfillment of the above-mentioned requirements and is not in line with the direction of "green" economy adopted by our country.
In particular, the environmental management plan of Masrik-1 solar power station, submitted by “FRV Masrik” CJSC, which received a positive expert opinion, does not even mention about the recycling and utilization of the solar panels during the project implementation, as well as after its completion, the funds required for their implementation, sources of funding and people in charge.
In addition, the conclusion of Masrik-1 Environmental Impact Assessment Report states as an expert requirement that additional biodiversity field research should be conducted by Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund in the project area.
After the completion of these studies, it should be submitted to Environment Ministry in case of overlap of the areas allocated for the planned activities and the areas included in the "Emerald" ecological network, the implementation of works in those areas should be excluded.
Pursuant to Article 6 of RA Law on Freedom of Information, please provide information on the following:
1. What measures does the Ministry envisage in the project for the inclusion of the processes of recycling and utilization of solar panels in the project, and the inclusion of financial expenses in the environmental management plan envisaged for that purpose?
2. Has the envisaged additional biodiversity field research been accomplished, if yes, whether or not there are overlaps of areas included in “Emerald” network.
May 05, 2021 at 18:15