BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
Water will start to be pumped to two reservoirs in the East Azerbaijan Province (northwestern Iran) and a hydro junction will be put into operation on May 31, Executive Director of East Azerbaijan Regional Water Company Yousef Ghaffarzadeh said, Trend reports citing the company’s website.
According to Ghaffarzadeh, a total of 10 trillion rials (about $238 million) has been spent on these facilities.
The director added that one of the biggest plans in northwestern Iran is Khudafarin Hydro-electric plan. A part of this plan is the Giz Galasi water reservoir. The Giz Galasi water reservoir was built on the Araz River. The reservoir has a capacity of 62 million cubic meters of water.
"The Giz Galasi reservoir will regulate 2 billion cubic meters of water per year. Iran and Azerbaijan each have the right to use 1 billion cubic meters of water a year from this reservoir," he said.
Ghaffarzadeh emphasized that the Giz Galasi reservoir will supply water to 74,000 hectares of land in East Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces of Iran. As result, 85,000 people will be employed.
The director noted that in addition, two 20-megawatt-hours stations were built on the Araz River.
"Furthermore, water will be pumped into the Gardian water reservoir in the Jolfa County of the East Azerbaijan Province. The reservoir has a capacity of 10 million cubic meters of water and was built to irrigate 2,200 hectares of land," he said.
According to him, Yekanat hydro junction will be put into operation in Marand County of the province. This hydro junction will be operated through water pumped by pumping stations on the Araz River and will supply water to 3,350 hectares of land. The launch of this hydro junction will create jobs for 3,000 people.
Reportedly, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian will attend the event dedicated to the launch of the water facilities.