Nakhchivan, 12 September (AZERTAC). Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Vasif Talibov has participated in the opening of Arpachay hydro-electric power station in Sharur region. 

Speaking at the event, director general of the Nakhchivan State Energy Agency, Yasin Safarov, said several hydro-electric power stations had been built in Nakhchivan over the past 10 years. “This includes a 4.5-megawatt hydro-electric power station over the water reservoir after Heydar Aliyev, Nakhchivan Gas-Turbine Power Plant, Nakhchivan Module Power Station and Bilav Hydroelectric Power Station.”

Addressing the event, Vasif Talibov said the Arpachay hydro-electric power station was built as part of the State Program on social and economic development of regions of Azerbaijan for 2008-2013 approved by President Ilham Aliyev. He noted the construction of the station started in February 2011 and completed for a short period, adding it meets modern standards.

Mr Talibov pointed out the station would contribute to strengthening energy supply of Nakhchivan. He noted the facility would annually generate 60 million kilowatt energy, which will meet 15-17 percent of energy demand of the Autonomous Republic. The Chairman added the station would also increase energy export of the Autonomous Republic. Mr Talibov said construction of hydro-electric power stations would continue in Nakhchivan. He added that at present construction of Ordubad and Arpachay-2 hydro-electric power stations was underway. The Chairman pointed out that the commissioning of these stations would expand opportunities of energy system of Nakhchivan and also strengthen material and technical basis of energy sector in the Autonomous Republic.

“The majority of countries around the globe today adopt programs on food and energy security. Economies of these countries which put emphasis on energy and food security are developing. So systematic steps are being taken in Azerbaijan to ensure food and energy security. Development of these fields is in focus in Nakhchivan too.”

The Chairman said today Nakhchivan had become an important energy exporter. He added measures to improve energy supply of the Autonomous Republic would continue in the future.

Mr Talibov toured the station, and then met electrical engineers. He said energy was the priority sector of economy. The Chairman noted great attention was paid to development of energy sector in Nakhchivan. Mr Talibov stressed the importance of human resources capacity building in the industry, adding a relevant department was opened at the Nakhchivan State University.