ECONOMY
‘AZERBAIJAN WOULD BECOME REGION`s BIGGEST POWER EXPORTER IN TWO YEARS`
Azerbaijan would become the biggest exporter of power in the region in two years, said Marlen Asgarov, vice president of the country`s largest electricity company, Azerenerji.
According to him, Azerbaijan will considerably increase electricity production after completion of reconstruction of several power plants across the country, including in Sangachal, Guba and Sumgayit. “This will allow us to increase the volume of export” said Asgarov.
Currently Azerbaijan`s power system consist of 10 thermal and 6 hydro-electric power plants.
Asgarov also said a special program is under preparation to develop energy resources and electricity networks in the country in 2009-2015.
He also touched upon the possibility of construction of a nuclear power plant in Azerbaijan.
“Construction work may begin in 2015”, he said, “as negotiations are underway with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
An initiative to construct a nuclear power plant in the country was first put forward in the 1980s, but plans were cancelled after the Chernobyl disaster.