Azerenerji completes expansion of Azerbaijan's Mingachevir TPP by 1280 MW, begins connecting capacities

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Azerenerji completes expansion of Azerbaijan's Mingachevir TPP by 1280 MW, begins connecting capacities

BAKU. March 18 (Interfax) - OJSC Azerenerji has completed the expansion of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Mingachevir, the largest in the South Caucasus region, by building new generating capacities of 1280 MW, the company said.

"The project to create new power capacities of 1280 MW at the Azerbaijan TPP is in its final stages. Currently, specialists from the Italian company Ansaldo Energia and the Chinese company Dongfang are conducting special training courses for the plant's personnel. Once operational, the plant will not only be the largest in terms of installed capacity built during the period of independence, but will also consume the least amount of gas per kilowatt-hour among other thermal power plants in the country," Azerenerji said.

The commissioning of the new generating capacities at the Azerbaijan TPP was planned to take place by the end of 2025, it said. "However, the process is being completed ahead of schedule. To date, three out of four sets of turbines and generators have been tested and connected, with the final set to be commissioned soon," it said.

As reported, the construction of new generating capacities at the Azerbaijan TPP began in February 2023. The total cost of the project was estimated at up to $400 million, with 60% funded by Azerenerji's own resources and 40% through loans.

Prior to the project, the Azerbaijani TPP had eight units, each with an installed capacity of 300 MW, and produced around 45% of the country's total electricity. The first unit of the plant was launched in 1981.

After the expansion, the power plant will meet modern standards, resulting in a reduction of hydrocarbon emissions of 2 million tonnes. The use of conventional fuel will save approximately 800 million to 1 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ordered the modernization of the TPP in October 2022, increasing the capacity of the seventh and eighth power units by 1280 MW.