Today, in the town of Nor Hachn in Kotayk Province, the “Nor Hachn” small hydroelectric power plant, built by Veolia Djur, was officially inaugurated. This plant, which generates electricity exclusively for the company’s own needs, received its license in 2023. Construction began shortly thereafter on the Arzakan-Gyumush water pipeline. The investment value of the project amounts to AMD 376.6 million.
Equipped with modern European technology, the 220 kWh-capacity SHPP is expected to produce 1.925 million kWh of electricity annually. Back in 2020, Veolia Group announced an ambitious plan aimed at expanding its activities in Armenia, including investments in the energy sector. This large-scale program, initiated and financed entirely by Veolia, received approval from the Government of Armenia.
Subsequently, Veolia Djur began generating electricity for its own use to help mitigate the impact of increasing water supply and wastewater tariffs. As part of this initiative, in 2023 and 2024, the company invested AMD 395,303,501 to build and operate seven solar power plants within its service area—on leased water systems or 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 used to meet the needs of the company’s energy-intensive systems. Notably, all power plants built by the company will be transferred to the Government of Armenia—represented by the Water Committee—under ownership rights. Veolia Group will continue its environmental and renewable energy initiatives in Armenia, including the development of another SHPP, with construction and operation planned for the beginning of the upcoming year.