Azerbaijan, Baku, May 22/ Trend , E.Ismaylov /
Azerbaijan could export electricity to the Black Sea countries through the ring system of energy supply, the Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Natik Aliyev said on May 22.
"Azerbaijan fully supplies itself with energy carriers. The Republic is trying to become a large exporter of not only oil but also gas, and there is a possibility. Azerbaijan also exports electricity to Russia, Iran, Georgia and Turkey, and through the Black Sea ring energy can supply electricity to Black Sea countries," said Aliyev.
During Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili's visit to Azerbaijan, discussions were held on restoration of 500 kilometers high electricity transmission lines that will connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, said Aliyev. "We have agreed that some work will be carried out in the territories of Azerbaijan and Georgia. And negotiations are held with Turkey on this issue," said Aliyev.
In early April, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding on the Power Bridge project. Implemented by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, the joint project is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Earlier, Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri said: "Already this year, we will start the rehabilitation of high-power transmission with a capacity of 500 kilowatts, and will begin construction of a new transmission line with a capacity of 500 kilowatts to Turkey this year." The total cost of all the works, scheduled to be held on the territory of Georgia, is €220 million. These works will be financed by the Georgian companies.
The power capacity of Azerbaijan is planned to be increased to 10,000 megawatts from the current 5,600 megawatts, said Aliyev. Azerbaijan is now generating enough electricity for the needs of the country, and using new technologies to decrease energy consumption.
"We have a great capacity for sale. Now we can sell up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity," said Aliyev.
According to Aliyev, last year Azerbaijan had a surplus of 543 million kilowatts. Last year electricity was exported more than imported.