Aliyev: Azerbaijan ranks first in region in ensuring reliable electricity supply

Azerbaijan ranks first among countries in the region in terms of reliable electricity supply, President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijan Television in Nakhchivan.

“Today, if there are rare countries in our region that have no issues with electricity, Azerbaijan ranks first among them,” Aliyev said.

“Because, for various reasons, an energy crisis is being experienced in our region, and this crisis may deepen due to the wars ongoing in our region, growing risks, disruptions to supply chains related to the transportation of energy resources, and other factors. It cannot be ruled out that new unpleasant events may occur in the future,” the head of state emphasized.

Aliyev also highlighted Nakhchivan's potential for renewable energy development, particularly solar power.

“The solar energy potential in Nakhchivan is immense. Based on monitoring and precise analysis, Nakhchivan is the most favorable location within the territory of Azerbaijan for solar power generation,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

Noting that an area of more than 600 hectares has already been designated for this purpose, the head of state said that solar power plants with a capacity of hundreds of megawatts will be constructed there.

“A hydropower plant is planned to be built in Ordubad district,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

The president also outlined plans for the broader development of Nakhchivan, including irrigation infrastructure.

Recalling that a State Program for the overall development of Nakhchivan had recently been adopted and an action plan on irrigation had been prepared, the head of state said: “I dispatched a large delegation here, all issues were analyzed, and work has begun.”

Aliyev said Nakhchivan was undergoing comprehensive development, noting the significance of the projects implemented there during his presidency.

“The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is developing comprehensively,” President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said.

Noting that he has visited Nakhchivan 17 times as President, the head of state emphasized: “Every visit of mine is of great significance and produces important results. Over these years, many important projects have been implemented, ensuring the overall development of Nakhchivan.”

He also said Nakhchivan's development should be integrated with that of Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

“Nakhchivan, along with the liberated territories—East Zangezur and Garabagh—should be developed based on a unified concept,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

Recalling that the master plans for cities in all the liberated territories had been approved, the head of state said: “I instructed that a Master Plan for Nakhchivan city should also be developed and prepared, which was presented to me today, and that additional measures should be taken to ensure the city’s development and the creation of modern infrastructure.”

Aliyev further pointed to the governance model implemented in Garabagh and East Zangezur, saying that the same approach had been applied in Nakhchivan.

“We have seen the advantages of the new governance system in Garabagh and East Zangezur,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

The head of state added: “I am confident that more than 90,000 people already living there can see this as well. The same governance model—the Special Representative of the President—was also applied in Nakhchivan.”

The president also addressed Azerbaijan's military capabilities, saying that the country's Armed Forces have a decisive role in the region.

“The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have a decisive say in the region,” President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said.

The head of state also noted that the military potential in Nakhchivan is being strengthened day by day and will continue to be strengthened in the future.

Concluding his remarks, Aliyev highlighted Nakhchivan's contribution to Azerbaijan's history and national identity.

“The Azerbaijani people are a fortunate people. We can take pride in our history, our culture, and our outstanding personalities,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

“At the same time, Nakhchivan has given Azerbaijan many prominent figures. Nakhchivan gave the Azerbaijani people a National Leader of genius stature like Heydar Aliyev,” the head of state added.