President: Export of very large volumes of electricity from Nakhchivan will also be envisaged

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the work that has been carried out and the tasks ahead, particularly those related to job creation.

According to Report, in an interview with Azerbaijan Television in Nakhchivan, the head of state noted that the foundation stone of the Nakhchivan Industrial Park was laid.

"On my instructions, many industrial parks have been established in Azerbaijan, and in terms of territory, the Nakhchivan Industrial Park is second only to the Sumgayit Industrial Park. As I said, its foundation stone has been laid, and I am confident that practical work at this Industrial Park will begin shortly," President Ilham Aliyev said.

He noted that as an integral part of this Park, a 300-megawatt Thermal Power Plant will be constructed.

"I should mention that Nakhchivan's generation capacity is currently approximately 200 megawatts. A single power plant will increase this capacity by 1.5 times. Naturally, this plant will serve two purposes: first, to provide the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with a sustainable energy supply, and second, to facilitate electricity exports," the head of state said.

According to the Azerbaijani leader, it is necessary to ensure that Nakhchivan's continuous and sustainable energy supply is never disrupted.

"For these purposes, at the time, again on my initiative, we signed a gas swap agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Under this agreement, a gas pipeline was constructed from Iran to Azerbaijan, while gas transportation from Azerbaijan's Astara district into Iranian territory was also ensured. In other words, we provided Nakhchivan with a 100-percent gas supply through swaps," he said.

He noted that gasification was carried out in parralel.

"For several years now-I can say approximately 15 years, perhaps even longer-gasification in Nakhchivan has stood at 100 percent. Overall, the gasification rate across Azerbaijan is 96 percent, which is also a very high figure. However, in Nakhchivan, it has already reached 100 percent. This was also a step aimed at ensuring energy security," the head of state said.

He noted that many hydroelectric and solar power plants, as well as a modular power plant, have been constructed here: "In other words, energy security is the second most crucial factor after physical security. As I mentioned today, the foundation stone of the 300-megawatt Thermal Power Plant was laid, and I also inspected the construction of two Solar Power Plants with a combined capacity of 50 megawatts."

Nakhchivan's solar energy potential is immense, the head of state said, adding that based on monitoring and precise analysis, Nakhchivan is the most favorable location within Azerbaijan for solar power generation. Therefore, an area of more than 600 hectares has already been designated, where solar power plants with a total capacity of hundreds of megawatts will be constructed.

According to Ilham Aliyev, it is gratifying that, as a rule, the private sector is engaged in the development of renewable energy sources here.

"The information presented to me today shows that these projects are economically attractive-in other words, profitable-for investors. Thus, both the positive investment climate in Azerbaijan, together with state support for the development of renewable energy sources, and our overall growing potential, including our export capabilities, play an important role here. Because, as I noted, Nakhchivan is today fully secure in terms of electricity supply. The 200-megawatt generation capacity I mentioned exceeds Nakhchivan"s current demand. However, we must look to the future. Nakhchivan's rapid development will continue, including as a result of the implementation of the State Program. This Program was also adopted by my Order. The export of very large volumes of electricity from Nakhchivan will also be envisaged," the head of state said.