ArmInfo.Private equity fund Amber Capital Armenia, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), has acquired Solis, an Armenian solar plant operator, to build and operate a 4 MW photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant in Aragatsotn, western Armenia. The parties to the transaction did not disclose the amount of the transaction and the volume of investments in the project. Nevertheless, according to experts, the total volume of investments may amount to about 2 - 2.5 million US dollars.
According to the statement of the EU-Armenia SME Fund, the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2021 and generate 7.5 GWH of clean energy per year, resulting in 3,200 tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions annually. The power plant will contribute to Armenia's green recovery and create around 50 jobs in construction and plant operations. The amount of production and the project tariff for the generated electricity are not reported.
Ecoville LLC, a leader in the development and construction of commercial ground-mounted solar power plants and rooftop PV systems in Armenia, has been awarded the engineering and construction contract for the project in a competitive tender process. This is the first project financed by EU-Armenia SME Fund, managed by Amber Capital; the private equity fund seeks to invest in viable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Armenia. Ameriabank provided financing towards this first project.
Anushavan Simonyan, CEO of Amber Capital Armenia, highlighted the importance of the project for both the country and the fund, emphasising that renewable energy is one of the fund's priorities. "The investment in this solar project is the first step in our strategy to develop a market-leading renewable-energy assets portfolio, adhering to the highest environmental, social and governance standards," he said. "We see a great potential and continue to seek investment opportunities in the renewables space, with the goal of contributing to Armenia's green energy potential, environmental improvement and job creation. We are very pleased to partner with Ameriabank and Ecoville to make this important project happen."
Artak Hanesyan, Ameriabank CEO, underscored the potential of Armenia's renewable energy sector and noted that Ameriabank has been supporting a series of projects in the renewable energy sector. "We are delighted to be part of key investment projects in Armenia that contribute to the development of the country's strategically important economic sectors," he said. "We are committed to the delivery of our green policies, and the partnership with Amber Capital is yet another important contribution to a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system in Armenia."
Dimitri Gvindadze, EBRD Head of Armenia, said: "Increasing the production of clean energy is an important step in reducing carbon emissions in Armenia and addressing climate change. This is yet another step in boosting the solar capacity of the country. One of the core objectives of the EBRD is the transition towards a low-carbon economy."
Andrea Wiktorin, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Armenia, said: "The EU Armenia SME Fund is key for the country's business environment and investment climate, in line with Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement standards. We are glad and proud that the Fund's first investment is in the renewables sector, which signifies the potential for sustainable finance and investments in Armenia. The EU is committed to supporting the country and its private sector on the path to green recovery, economic growth and job creation. The green transition is on its way and unstoppable."
To note, the start of the work of the first private equity fund ''EU-Armenia-SME'' managed by Amber Capital was given in September 2019. It was created at the initiative of the EU, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the investment company AmberCapital. The corresponding memorandum was signed on September 20 by the European Commission's Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Katarina Mathernova, EBRD Coordinating Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus Matteo Patrone and the head of Amber Capital Camilio Azzouz. The EU, together with the EBRD, decided to allocate EUR 16 million to the fund's capital. In total, the Fund intends to attract 70 million euros, which will be invested in the SME sector in Armenia. The fund is managed by the international investment company Amber Capital, which has an office and a team of specialists in Armenia.
It was noted that the activities of the fund will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of SMEs, improving corporate governance, increasing transparency and recognition of Armenian enterprises in the international arena. At the same time, within the framework of the EBRD "Consulting Small Business" program, SMEs will receive the necessary advice.
