BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 15
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
The cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan in the electricity sector began in early 2000, newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said in an interview with Trend.
“The two countries continue to cooperate on the creation of the exchange and transport electricity infrastructure,” the ambassador added. “The laying of the Imishli (Azerbaijan) -Parsabad (Iran) high-voltage power line is an example of this.”
“The Iranian side appreciates this contract because every constructive contract that is signed between the two countries which are improving and developing the social welfare of our peoples is important,” Mousavi added. “Undoubtedly, the cooperation between TAVANIR and Azerenergy is valued in this direction and Iran seeks to continue cooperation with friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan in various areas, including electricity.”
“The contract was last extended on May 25, 2020, until the end of the year,” the ambassador said. “According to the contract, Iran will import 160 megawatt-hours of electricity from Azerbaijan from June 6, 2020, in Parsabad County. Both sides are willing to extend this contract and want cooperation to continue. The discussions were held on the format of cooperation between the technical working groups of the two countries. Iran is interested in extending the contract, as well as the fact that the volume of imported electricity will be increased by more than 160 megawatt-hours. The Iranian side is also interested in bilateral exchanges in this area.”
“Positive discussions were held in this direction,” Mousavi said. “The Iranian side is working to further increase energy exchanges and connect the two countries' electricity networks. At the same time, there is an opportunity to exchange 800 megawatt-hours of electricity with Azerbaijan. Besides, both sides agreed to build a 500-megawatt-hour thermal power plant in the Astara district of Azerbaijan. The gas needs of this station will be supplied by Iran, and the electricity generated will be sold to Iran or exported to a third country. Of course, discussions on the settlement of the agreement memorandum have been held and have not been completed yet.”
“Trilateral discussions are underway on the establishment of an energy corridor between Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia,” the ambassador said. “These discussions put forward for the synchronization of the electricity networks of the three countries. This project is very useful for all three countries. An agreement was reached to connect the electricity networks of the three countries and on the joint use of the produced products. If this project is implemented, the energy security and quality of Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia will increase significantly.”
“According to the technical discussions and agreements between the Deputy Ministers of Energy of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia, Monenco Iran Consulting Engineers Company will conduct technical researches and complete the construction of infrastructure to connect the three countries' power network,” Mousavi said. “This operation has already begun and will be completed in the next few months. After that, it will enter the execution stage.”
“With the implementation of this project, the seasonal electricity needs of all three countries will be eliminated,” the ambassador said. “As known, the peak consumption period of electricity varies from country to country. For example, the peak electricity consumption in Iran is in the summer. However, in Russia, it occurs during the winter season. Based on this opportunity Iran can use the additional electricity of Russia during its peak consumption period, and to transport the same volume of electricity to Russia via the Azerbaijani electricity network during the non-peak consumption period. With such cooperation, the countries can save their money without building new facilities, and instead can use the additional electricity of the country connected to the network.”
“Technical discussions are underway between Iranian and Azerbaijani experts on the format of transmission of Azerbaijani electricity to Turkey via Iran,” Mousavi said. “If these discussions are completed, Iran will be able to receive Azerbaijani electricity in the border areas and deliver it to the border with Turkey. I hope that these discussions will end as soon as possible and that cooperation between the three friendly and brotherly countries will increase.”