Mingachevir: In a significant development for Azerbaijan’s energy sector, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the ‘8 November’ Power Plant in Mingachevir, reaffirming the country’s commitment to bolstering its energy infrastructure. The President’s visit to the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the ‘Azerbaijan’ Thermal Power Plant premises signaled the beginning of the ceremony, highlighting the historical significance of the location.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and representatives from Italian and Chinese companies involved in the project. The timely completion of the power plant was celebrated as a collaborative effort between Azerbaijani, Italian, and Chinese entities, showcasing the successful international partnership.
During his speech, President Aliyev emphasized the strategic importance of the ‘8 November’ Power Plant, which boasts a capacity of 1,880 megawatts, making it the largest power plant in Azerbaijan. He noted that the plant would significantly enhance the country’s energy potential, increase system efficiency, and contribute to Azerbaijan’s status as a regional energy hub. The President also highlighted the role of Mingachevir as a central player in Azerbaijan’s energy landscape, responsible for generating over 40 percent of the nation’s electricity.
The President’s speech reflected on the historical context of Mingachevir’s energy sector, tracing its roots back to the 1970s under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the early years of independence, including energy shortages and outdated infrastructure, and praised the progress made in rebuilding the energy system over the past two decades.
The ceremony also featured speeches from international partners. Adolfo Urso highlighted the environmental benefits of the new facility, which will reduce emissions by 50 percent compared to previous standards. Fabrizio Fabbri of Ansaldo Energia and Chen Qiang of Dongfang Electric International Corporation expressed pride in their contributions to the project and underscored the collaborative spirit that drove its success.
Uzeyir Yusifov from AzerEnergy emphasized the technical achievements and innovations integrated into the plant, which will save significant amounts of natural gas and reduce carbon emissions. The plant’s advanced technology, including gas turbines and generators supplied by international partners, positions it as a key asset in Azerbaijan’s energy transition strategy.
The event concluded with a tour of the plant, including areas that had been targeted during the Patriotic War, symbolizing resilience and progress. The ‘8 November’ Power Plant stands as a testament to Azerbaijan’s forward-looking energy policy and its role as a reliable partner in global energy security.