Azerbaijan and Iran Advance Energy Ties
On March 15, Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, met with Ali Akbar Mehrabian, Iran's Minister of Energy, in Tehran.
The meeting centered on the two nations' cooperation in the electric energy sector. Specifically, they exchanged views on the progress of the construction project for the Khudafarin and Giz-Galasy hydroelectric stations and hydropower plants on the Araz River. The ministers announced plans for the imminent opening ceremony of these facilities and agreed to expedite their construction process. Additionally, they addressed issues concerning the utilization of water resources and joint efforts with Iran to restore, protect, and maintain the historical Khudafarin bridges.
The discussions also covered measures to accelerate the construction of the 36-MW Ordubad Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on the Araz River. Furthermore, the current status of cooperation in connecting the power grids of Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia was reviewed, leading to a decision to convene a tripartite meeting soon.
The conversation also explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in exchanging and transiting electric energy between Azerbaijan and Iran.