A meeting was held at the Ministry of Energy with the participation of Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, “Azərenerji” OJSC, Minister of Economy of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Kazim Huseynaliyev, the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources, Azerbaijan Green Energy Company (AGEC), CEI Nakhchivan LLC, Nobel Energy, and Enerso LLC.
During the meeting, it was noted that Nakhchivan is being developed in line with the strategic vision of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, regarding the “Green Energy Zone.” Discussions covered the expansion of renewable energy use in the Autonomous Republic, the establishment of modern grid infrastructure, and measures taken to strengthen the energy system. The work carried out within the framework of the energy component of the Zangezur Corridor, including the interconnection of energy systems and prospects for electricity exports from Nakhchivan, was also reviewed. Cooperation with CEI Nakhchivan LLC and Enerso LLC for the construction of 50 MW solar power plants in Nakhchivan was assessed as an important milestone in the country’s green energy agenda.
Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov stated: “The broad application of renewable energy sources to strengthen the energy security of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, accelerate its sustainable socio-economic development, and transform it into a regional energy production and export hub is among the priority directions of the Head of State’s strategic course. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 44 percent of the installed electricity generation capacity and 36.4 percent of total electricity production in Nakhchivan. ‘Shams 1’ and ‘Garbi Ufuq’ solar power plants, the first examples of private investment in renewable energy in Nakhchivan with a total investment value exceeding 60 million manats, will make a significant contribution to shaping a green development model in the region.”
President of “Azərenerji” OJSC Baba Rzayev emphasized the importance of solar power plants in strengthening the reliability of energy supply in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, particularly in meeting increased demand during the summer months.
Minister of Economy of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Kazim Huseynaliyev highly appreciated the role of these new projects in realizing the rich solar energy potential of this strategically important economic region. It was noted that the new capacities to be created in Nakhchivan would stimulate economic development and, in the future, support energy exports to neighboring countries and Europe.
Deputy Chairperson of the Board of AGEC, Khayala Nagiyeva, stated: “We believe that this initiative, implemented within the framework of partnership with state institutions, will create favorable conditions for increasing green investments in the region and generating long-term economic value. This project is a real outcome of public-private sector synergy. It will contribute to the region’s energy security and serve Azerbaijan’s strategic renewable energy targets.”
Chief Commercial Officer of Nobel Energy, Eldar Mammadov, said: “We are pleased to support the ‘Green Energy Zone’ initiative in Nakhchivan by expanding the use of renewable energy through the development of solar power plants. As Nobel Energy, we continue to contribute to economic growth and the energy transition by establishing modern and sustainable energy infrastructure in the region.”
As a result, an Investment Agreement, a Power Purchase Agreement, and a Grid Connection Agreement were signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and “Azərenerji” OJSC with CEI Nakhchivan LLC for the 25 MW “Shams 1” Solar Power Plant project in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Similarly, an Investment Agreement, a Power Purchase Agreement, and a Grid Connection Agreement were signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and “Azərenerji” OJSC with Enerso LLC for the 25 MW “Garbi Ufuq” Solar Power Plant project. The investment agreements were signed on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, while the power purchase and grid connection agreements were signed by President of “Azərenerji” OJSC Baba Rzayev.
Upon completion, these projects are expected to generate a total of 122 million kWh of electricity annually, enabling savings of 26 million cubic meters of natural gas and reducing carbon emissions by 57,000 tons.
