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President Aliyev: Azerbaijan eager to export more energy to world markets (PHOTO)

Oil&Gas Materials 22 September 2011 17:49 (UTC +04:00)
President Ilham Aliyev has attended the foundation-laying ceremony for the second 409-megawatt combined-cycle unit of the Shimal power plant in the Shuvelan settlement of the Khazar district. Construction workers warmly welcomed the head of state.
President Aliyev: Azerbaijan eager to export more energy to world markets (PHOTO)

Azerbaijan , Baku, Sept. 22 / Trend /

President Ilham Aliyev has attended the foundation-laying ceremony for the second 409-megawatt combined-cycle unit of the Shimal power plant in the Shuvelan settlement of the Khazar district. Construction workers warmly welcomed the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the construction of the second combined-cycle unit would be funded by the government-guaranteed loan of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in accordance with the Loan Agreement signed into law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on June 14, 2005.

The head of state reviewed a stand showing the master plan of the project, the layout of the combined-cycle unit and the cooling water system. The Shimal power plant covers an area of 68 hectares, while the area on which the second combined-cycle unit is to be built is 12 hectares.

Construction operations commenced on Dec.10, 2010 in accordance with the agreement between the consortium of main contractors, Japan's Toyo Engineering Corporation and Azerbaijan's Azenco Open Joint-Stock Company, and Azerenergy Open Joint-Stock Company. Construction is scheduled to complete in late 2013.

Then President Ilham Aliyev lowered a metal capsule into the foundation and launched the grouting facility.

President Ilham Aliyev met with construction workers.

He said the construction of Shimal-2 station is a very important event.

"It is important, because we begin to implement a new major infrastructure project in Azerbaijan on the one hand. It is already gained a traditional character in Azerbaijan. On the other hand, this station's history is also beautiful. Construction of the Shimal-1 power plant was launched 10 years ago. The Japanese government granted a loan for construction of the Shimal-1 power plant following the negations held in 1998 upon National Leader Heydar Aliyev's initiative. Its fundament was laid in the presence of Heydar Aliyev in 2000 and the station was put into operation in 2002," President Aliyev said.

President Aliyev expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government for its support to Azerbaijan in the most difficult times for the country, as well as now.

"The provision of this loan is of particular importance, as the resent terrible disaster occurred in Japan shook the country. The Japanese government, which is currently engaged in eliminating the consequences of the disaster, also strengthens its friendly relations with Azerbaijan. The construction of the Shimal-1 power plant is a symbol of our friendship. Taking the opportunity, I would like to commemorate all those who died during the disaster. I would say the whole world admired to courage and perseverance shown by the Japanese people to fight against the disaster," Aliyev noted.

He said 11 power plants, including 9 thermal power plants and two hydro power plants, have been constructed in Azerbaijan since 2006. "The country's power grid received 1,500 megawatts of electricity as a result of commissioning these power plants. This is a very high figure, a very major indicator. If we take into account that about 4,000 megawatts of generating capacity were established in Azerbaijan in all previous periods, then we can see how a great success and achievement is the establishment of 1,500 megawatts of power generating capacity within five years," Aliyev said.

Aliyev stated that modular power plants were built in Azerbaijan's entire regions during these years. Thus, Azerbaijan was able to thoroughly solve the problem of energy shortages in the regions and, of course, in Baku.

"Azerbaijan is not only self-sufficient in electricity and exports it to other countries. Azerbaijan transports electricity to neighboring states, and the volumes of electricity transportation will eventually rise. New transmission lines are being constructed to this end. Just as today we export our oil, gas and petroleum products to the world markets. We also intend to export an even greater amount of energy to the world markets. Our energy potential created over these years is in line with current level of Azerbaijan's development. The energy generated in the country much more exceeds the required amount and, thus, creates export opportunities," he said.

"However, we must look at the future. Our country is rapidly growing, new businesses, new industrial areas and large industrial parks are being created. A great investment was made in the aluminum industry in Azerbaijan. A large aluminum plant will soon be put into operation. Of course, these areas also require huge energy volumes. Concrete plans have been drafted to develop the steel industry. Factories and a modern petrochemical complex are being constructed in the country. Thus, the energy demand will increase. So, we have to develop and surely develop our policy in line with the strategy of Azerbaijan's overall development," Aliyev stated.

In conclusion, a picture was taken.

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