Agdash, May 1 (AZERTAC). President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of 220-kilovolt electric substation “Agdash”.

The fact that Azerbaijan has an independent electric power system is the result of a wise policy carried out by nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. Today, the tasks set forth by President Ilham Aliyev and associated with the further strengthening of the energy independence, complete satisfaction of population and economic needs of the country for electricity and creation of the capacity to export electricity continue to be successfully implemented today.

The energy problems which existed in the country 10 years ago have been eliminated through the construction of new power plants and substations in different regions of the country. In accordance with the instructions and orders of the head of state, and as part of the first and second state programs, 17 new power plants have been commissioned, more than 10,000 kilometers of power lines built and over 1,500 substations renovated in Azerbaijan over the last 10 years. Since 2006, two new power plants have been put into operation each year. This is a record indicator in the history of Azerbaijan’s power generation. As a result, more than 2,300 megawatts of new generating capacity has been made available.

The substations being put into operation in the regions one after another play a pivotal role in the sustainable power supply of the population. In this sense, the 220-kilovolt electric substation "Agdash", whose construction has just been completed, will be highly important for the region.

The president of the "AzerEnergy” OJSC, Etibar Pirverdiyev, noted that the project on the construction of the "Agdash" substation, its connection to the 110-kilovolt grid, the construction of the power line from the 220-kilovolt dual substation "Absheron" to the Mingachevir hydroelectric power plant is one of the most important projects undertaken within the framework of the "State program on the socioeconomic development of districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2013", which was approved by a presidential decree dated 14 April 2009. In accordance with the project, the physically and morally outdated 1st and 2nd 220-kilovolt overhead lines of the Mingachevir power plant were replaced with new ones and a 220-kilovolt substation "Agdash" built. The reinforced and galvanized supports, electrical wires, metal frames of the substation and other auxiliary equipment used in the construction of the line were produced at the Sumgayit Technology Park. The substation operates the most modern electrical equipment. This is the 13th 220-kilovolt substation to be built in the country. To connect the substation to the network, over 60 kilometers of 110-kilovolt overhead transmission lines have been built. This will also expand the opportunities for a reliable supply of electricity to surrounding areas.

While touring the office building, the head of state was informed that the station consists of two autotransformers, two outdoor switchgears, a control center, two transformers for special consumption, a diesel generator which represents a backup power consumption source, an emergency oil receiving tank, a fire safety system and other components.

It was indicated that more than 250 people were engaged in the construction of substations and transmission lines. After commissioning, the substation will provide permanent employment to around 25 people. In general, the completion of this project will strengthen the link between the 500-kilovolt substation "Absheron" and the Mingachevir hydroelectric power plant, significantly reduce technical losses and substantially improve the quality of power supply of Aran region, including Agdash, Goychay, Ujar and Gabala districts.

President Ilham Aliyev launched the substation.