Minister: Azerbaijan increases capacity of its energy system by 40 per cent in 10 years

Azerbaijan, Baku, September 19 /Trend, E.Ismayilov/ As a result of increasing the energy generating facilities, Azerbaijan's electricity export potential hit 4 billion kilowatt per hour, according to the article of Azerbaijan's Minister of Industry and Energy Natig Aliyev published in Respublika newspaper on Thursday. "Thanks to renewal and increase of generating facilities, our republic has turned from an electricity importing country to its exporter," the minister stressed. According to the article, in particular, some 15 new power stations with total capacity of over 2,200 megawatt began to be constructed in the country in 2003-2012. Some 12 power plants of which ( 10 thermo power plants and two hydro power plants) with total capacity of almost 1,500 megawatt were commissioned. "Three remaining stations are planned to be commissioned in 2013-2014," the minister stressed. According to the article, the capacity of the country's energy system increased by 40 per cent and amounted to 6275 megawatt in 2003-2012. This paves the way for production of 22-24 billion kilowatt/h of electricity per year, which exceeds the country's maximum demand for electricity by 25-27 per cent. "The volume of electricity per capita was brought to 2220 kilowatt/h which is at the level of Europe's developed countries," Aliyev stressed. Azerenergy JSC is engaged in the issues of production and distribution of electricity in Azerbaijan, on the balance of which there are over 200 substations with capacity of 500, 330, 220 and 110 kilovolt-amperes, as well as eight hydro power plants and 13 thermo power plants. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az