Nakhchivan: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva recently reviewed the construction progress of the 'Shams 1' and 'Garbi Ufug' solar power plants, which have a combined capacity of 50 MW, in Nakhchivan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov provided detailed information to the president and the First Lady regarding the ongoing projects. The 'Shams 1' project, with a capacity of 25 MW, is being developed over a 52-hectare area designated for renewable energy and has already completed the installation of 10 MW of solar panels by 'CEI Nakhchivan' LLC. The construction is expected to be completed by November, with 218 workers currently involved. Once operational, the plant will generate around 57 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying power to roughly 19,000 households, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 26,000 tons, and saving 12 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

Additionally, President Aliyev and First Lady Aliyeva were briefed on other projects by the AGEC group of companies, which includes 'CEI Nakhchivan' LLC. They also inspected the construction at the 'Garbi Ufug' Solar Power Plant, another 25 MW project. Topographic works conducted by 'Enerso' LLC are completed, and geological surveys are ongoing, with construction slated to commence by year's end. The 'Garbi Ufug' plant is anticipated to produce roughly 61 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, serving around 21,000 households, and will similarly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and natural gas consumption.

Overall, 688 hectares in Nakhchivan are allocated for renewable energy projects, with the region currently accounting for 108 MW of Azerbaijan's 2,070 MW renewable energy capacity. The commissioning of these plants will increase Nakhchivan's share to 158 MW.