09.11.2016
Minister in charge of energy and infrastructure of the Eurasian Economic Commission Adamkul Zhunusov answered questions of "RUSARMINFO" and shared his view on the level of integration of Armenia in the common energy market of the Eurasian Union
How do you estimate the level of integration of Armenia in the common energy market of he EAEU? And what are the objective possibilities of development?
How
do you estimate the level of integration of Armenia in the common energy
market of he EAEU? And what are the objective possibilities of
development?
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Currently, there is no common Eurasian energy market, but we can observe
phased development of common markets for energy resources on the basis of
relevant concepts, programs, and international treaties. On May 8, 2015,
heads of the EAEU Member States approved the general concept of forming the
common electricity market, and on May 31, 2016 - the concept of forming the
common gas market and common markets of oil and oil products of the EAEU. This will ensure a competitive
environment both for Armenia and for all economic operators of the Member
States, which will help stabilize energy prices and secure power supply for
national economies. In the conditions of the functioning of the common markets
of energy, companies from Armenia will get equal rights and
non-discriminatory business opportunities with companies from the other EAEU
countries.
Armenia
produces more electricity than is needed for the domestic market. In
addition, there is a real possibility of increasing the power supply. Given Iran's interest in trade relations
with the EAEU, does the EEC consider the possibility of increasing exports of
Armenian power to neighboring Iran in the framework of deepening cooperation
with Iran?
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In our view, one of the results of the formation of the common electricity
market of the EAEU will be the increase of the capacity of power export
beyond the EAEU. However, this capacity is limited by the transfer capability
of interstate transmission lines. The situation is complicated by the lack of
connection of Armenia’s power grids with power grids of the other EAEU
countries. However, after the construction of the 400 kV transmission line
between Armenia and Georgia, the connection will be ensured that will allow
Armenia’s power companies to become full-fledged participants of the EAEU
electricity market and realize all the potential for integration, including
in the sphere of power transit and export.