President Ilham Aliyev has attended a foundation-laying ceremony for mini-hydro power plant Astara-1 to be built on the Istisu river in Astara District.
The president of AzerEnergy OJSC, Etibar Pirverdiyev, informed the head of state of the development of the energy sector and the construction of mini-hydro power stations in the country. It was indicated that as a result of the comprehensive measures carried out in recent years, Azerbaijan’s energy system has entered a new stage in its development.
It was emphasized that with the aim of ensuring a broad application of wind and hydro power stations in line with President Ilham Aliyev’s Resolution from 16 November 2009, AzerEnergy OJSC was tasked with studying potential opportunities and preparing special programs. After President Ilham Aliyev had declared 2010 as a watershed year in terms of the use of alternative sources of energy and improvement of the environmental situation in the republic, measures in this direction have been further strengthened.
The head of state was familiarized with a layout of main blocks of mini-hydro power plant Astara-1 and reviewed photo stands reflecting images of the building and the machine room.
It was stated that hundreds of mini-hydro power stations were to be built in the republic in the coming years. Specific work is under way in this regard. The 1.7 megawatt station to be set up on the Istisu will generate 2.5 million kilowatt/hours of electricity a year. To keep the station running, the water from the Istisu will be supplied to the station through pipes at high pressure from a distance of 2 km. A water-intake facility, hydroelectric units, a 10-kilovolt substation and power lines will be built at the new station. Other facilities will also be built and modern equipment installed.
President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the future development of alternative and renewable sources of energy in the republic would follow a special program prepared by specialists after comprehensive discussions.
It was highlighted that Council of Europe member-states are taking serious measures to significantly step up the potential of mini-hydro power plants, and Azerbaijan is also taking consistent measures in this direction. After the plant is commissioned, 3,000 people living in surrounding villages will be provided with electricity.
The head of state laid the foundation of the hydro power plant.
President Ilham Aliyev lowered a capsule into the foundation and started the grouting facility.
The President then wished energy and construction workers further successes and issued instructions and recommendations.
