Nakhchivan: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have conducted an inspection of the construction progress of the 'Shams 1' and 'Garbi Ufug' solar power plants in Nakhchivan, which together have a projected capacity of 50 MW.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov provided detailed information to President Aliyev and the First Lady on the ongoing projects. The 'Shams 1' project, with a capacity of 25 MW, is being developed over a 52-hectare area dedicated to renewable energy initiatives. Currently, 10 MW of solar panels have been installed by 'CEI Nakhchivan' LLC, and the completion of construction and installation works is anticipated by November this year. The project employs 218 workers and, once operational, is expected to produce approximately 57 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, powering around 19,000 households.
The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is estimated to be around 26,000 tons annually, with a savings of 12 million cubic meters of natural gas. Additionally, President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were briefed about other projects by the AGEC group, which includes 'CEI Nakhchivan' LLC.
The visit also included an assessment of the 25 MW 'Garbi Ufug' Solar Power Plant construction. Topographic works by 'Enerso' LLC have been completed, and geological surveys are ongoing, with construction set to begin by the year's end. This project, covering a 50-hectare area, is expected to generate approximately 61 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying energy to around 21,000 households. Similar environmental benefits are projected, including a reduction of 26,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and the conservation of 12 million cubic meters of natural gas.
Currently, 688 hectares in Nakhchivan are allocated for renewable energy projects. The installed capacity of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan is 2,070 MW, with Nakhchivan contributing 108 MW, or 5.2 percent of the total. The completion of 'Shams 1' and 'Garbi Ufug' plants will increase this capacity in Nakhchivan to 158 MW.