President Ilham Aliyev Inaugurates New Small Hydropower Plants in Kalbajar to Advance “Green Energy” Goals
Kalbajar, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva on Wednesday attended the inauguration ceremony of the Ashagi Vang, Nadirkhanli, and Chaykend small hydroelectric power plants in Kalbajar district, operated by AzerEnerji OJSC.
AzerEnerji Chairman Baba Rzayev briefed the President and the First Lady on the newly commissioned facilities, which are part of Azerbaijan’s efforts to transform the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions into a “green energy” zone, in line with the President’s directives.
The Ashagi Vang (8.6 MW) and Nadirkhanli (8.8 MW) stations were constructed on the Lev, Tutqu, and Tartar rivers with an extensive 9,300-meter pipeline network designed to preserve ecological balance. Equipped with modern hydrotechnical installations and eco-friendly turbines, the stations are expected to generate 48 million kilowatt-hours annually, meeting the electricity needs of around 25,000 people. Their operation will save 12.5 million cubic meters of natural gas and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 23,000 tons per year.
The Chaykend Small Hydroelectric Power Plant, with a capacity of 5 MW, marks the eleventh “green energy” facility commissioned in Kalbajar by AzerEnerji. Drawing water from the Tartar River through an 8,500-meter pipeline, it will provide clean energy to about 7,000 people, with an estimated annual generation of 15 million kilowatt-hours. The plant will save 3.2 million cubic meters of natural gas and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 6,000 tons annually.
All three stations are equipped with digital switching, smart management systems, and have been integrated into the centralized SCADA system, allowing for remote control and operational monitoring from Baku. Together, they have created employment for 12 residents of Kalbajar district.
President Ilham Aliyev officially inaugurated the Ashagi Vang, Nadirkhanli, and Chaykend small hydroelectric power plants, highlighting Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable energy and environmental protection.
