Tehran:Increasing electricity imports from Azerbaijan to Iran for the winter season was a key topic of discussion during a meeting in Tehran.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister Elnur Sultanov and Mohammad Allahdad, CEO of Iran's Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Management Company, deliberated on energy exchanges, direct electricity imports, and the development of joint hydroelectric power plants. They also explored possibilities for gas and electricity swaps.

Elnur Sultanov highlighted ongoing joint hydroelectric projects in border areas, such as the Khudafarin and Ordubad projects, discussing their construction and completion. He noted that these plants, once operational, would boost electricity generation capacity, allowing part of the generated electricity to be supplied to Iran.

The discussions also touched on renewable energy cooperation, with an emphasis on attracting Iranian investors to solar power projects in Azerbaijan, particularly in Nakhchivan. Sultanov expressed optimism that these collaborations would enhance energy and investment ties between the countries.

The Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister extended an invitation to Mohammad Allahdad to visit Azerbaijan for further exploration of joint cooperation opportunities in the electricity sector.

Mohammad Allahdad reflected on the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing the need to leverage existing opportunities to strengthen electricity ties. He expressed hope for increased energy imports from Azerbaijan during the winter, based on recent talks and opportunities. Expert groups from both countries are slated to assess technical and implementation conditions at various grid interconnection points to further define cooperation scope.

The meeting underscored the potential for expanded bilateral relations through strengthened electricity interconnections and energy cooperation.