A new small hydroelectric power plant called "Nor Hachn," built by Veolia Djur, was inaugurated today in the town of Nor Hachn, Kotayk Province. This plant, which generates electricity exclusively for the company's own needs, received its license in 2023. Construction began thereafter on the "Arzakan-Gyumush" water conduit. The investment value of the project is 376.6 million AMD. Equipped with modern European equipment, the 220 kWh-capacity SHPP (Small Hydropower Plant) is expected to produce 1.925 million kWh of electricity annually.
Back in 2020, the Veolia Group announced an ambitious program aimed at expanding its operations in Armenia, including investments in the energy sector. This large-scale program, financed exclusively with the company's own funds, was approved by the Government of Armenia. Following this, Veolia Djur began producing electricity solely for internal use, with the aim of mitigating tariff increases for water supply and wastewater services.
As part of this program, in 2023 and 2024, the company invested 395,303,501 million AMD to build and operate a total of 7 solar power plants within its service area, either on leased water infrastructure or in their sanitary zones. These solar plants produced 1,570,548 kWh of electricity in 2024.
Upon full implementation of this program, the electricity generated by both the SHPP and solar plants will be directed toward meeting the needs of the energy-intensive systems operated by the company. Furthermore, the power plants built by the company will be handed over to the Lessor — the Government of Armenia, represented by the Water Committee — as property. Veolia Group will continue its environmental and renewable energy initiatives in Armenia. Notably, a new SHPP project is currently under development, with construction and operation planned for early next year.