Azerbaijan drafts project for power lines to Nakhchivan through Armenia

BAKU. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Azerbaijan has drafted a project to build power transmission lines to Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

"When we put forward the idea and initiative for the Zangezur corridor, first and foremost, we had the transport component in mind. But today, we view it in a broader context. For instance, our project to construct power transmission lines from the main part of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through the territory of Armenia is ready," Aliyev said in an interview with the Azerbaijani TV channel AzTV.

Azerbaijan has built a large substation in the liberated Jabrayil district, whose main function is not domestic supply but the transmission of large volumes of energy, he said.

"It is ready and was constructed specifically for the Zangezur energy corridor. As a result of the analysis conducted by our specialists in Armenia, the exact locations have even been identified for the installation of power transmission towers. I hope the Armenian side will not delay this matter either," he said.

Armenia could also benefit from having access to an extra energy source, he said.

"For example, today our power grid is interconnected with Russia, Iran, Georgia, and with Turkey through Georgia. Thus, the energy corridor running through Armenia to Nakhchivan, and from there onward to Turkey and Europe, would also help ensure the stability of Armenia's energy system in the event of a crisis. Therefore, the sooner we implement this, the better," Aliyev said.

This project could be implemented in six months, he said.

Azerbaijan has built transmission towers in the mountainous Kalbajar district at altitudes of 3,500 meters over the past five years, he said.

"In other words, if we undertake this project, it would take no more than six months. However, Armenia must, of course, do this itself. Therefore, I believe this issue should be clarified shortly. This will be an integral part of the Zangezur corridor, of TRIPP," he said.

The project implies the construction of not only a railway or highway, Aliyev said.

"Fiber-optic cables, power lines, and in the future, if needed, oil and gas pipelines can also pass through here. Because the more alternatives there are, the better it is for everyone," Aliyev said.

"As for Armenia, I would like to reiterate that the sooner the energy corridor is established in Armenia, the better it will be for TRIPP and the entire region," he said.

The Zangezur corridor is a transport route intended to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, with further access to Turkey and Europe. Part of the route, aa 42-kilometer section known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), should pass through Armenia. Azerbaijan is expected to complete the Zangezur corridor's rail and road infrastructure on its territory in 2026. The corridor's annual capacity should reach 15 million tonnes.

Aliyev said earlier that the Zangezur corridor could be launched by the end of 2028.