OREANDA-NEWS. May 26, 2010. Considering the geographical location and natural advantages of the peninsula, one of the main directions of energy development of Crimea is the development of unconventional and renewable sources of energy, as well as the introduction of energy efficient technologies in all sectors of economy, the First Vice Prime Minister Andriy Klyuev said at the meeting on ongoing matters of socio-economic development of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, held at Simferopol.

"Crimea has all but the largest potential in the country for development of alternative energy, especially wind and solar. And this potential is to be implemented in full volume, using the already introduced support mechanisms and incentives" - Andriy Klyuyev said. According to him, it concerns first of all the use of "green" rate, which, under the Law of Ukraine "On Electricity", is set for power plants that produce electricity using alternative energy sources including wind, solar, biomass. First Vice Prime Minister noted that the "green" rate might significantly reduce the payback period of investment in construction of power plants.

According to him, the State Budget for this year provides 10 million UAH for implementation of activities in the Integrated Programme of construction of wind power plants. Some of these funds will be used in particular for selection and research on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea of the most promising sites for the construction of wind power plants.

At the same time, as Andriy Klyuyev stated, the stronger emphasis on energy saving and development of alternative energy should become the priority for local authorities, without whose support the introduction of innovative, energy efficient, environmental projects, being usually quite expensive, will not have necessary potential stakes.

He recalled that a number of major projects are already implemented, including 4 projects on construction of large wind power plants, which will increase the level of in-shore generating capacity for 750 MW, on construction of solar power plants with the use of polysilicon panels with total capacity of 1000 MW together.