Masrik-1 solar power plant is ready for operation. As of today, it is Armenia's largest solar plant, with an installed capacity of 55 MW. Located in the village of Mets Masrik in Vardenis community of Gegharkunik Region, the solar plant occupies about 130 hectares, 0.51 hectares of which have been recognized as public eminent domain.
Masrik-1 project is being implemented by the consortium of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures B.V. and FSL Solar S.L. The project’s estimated cost is approximately $39 million, with funding provided by the International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank Group), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Union.
The construction timeline of the plant has been extended several times over the years, primarily due to the 44-day Armenia-Azerbaijan war in 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Armenian government initially extended the construction deadline by one year to September 1, 2023, and later to December 1, 2024.
To date, the economic damage caused by the loss of fertile soil over approximately 130 hectares has not been assessed. Additionally, it remains unclear how issues related to the maintenance, recycling, and disposal of the photovoltaic panels installed in the plant will be managed.
In EcoLur's video, the representatives of the local government of Vardenis consolidated community, residents, and experts share their concerns and opinions on these and other issues.
The video was produced with the financial support of the Media Initiatives Center under "Expanding Production of Independent Content-EPIC" grant project..
November 27, 2024 at 14:28