Azerbaijan, Iran set to inaugurate Qiz Qalasi hydroelectric complex on Araz River

A joint effort between Azerbaijan and Iran, the inauguration of the Qiz Qalasi hydroelectric complex on the Araz River is scheduled for May 19, 2024.

Report informs citing Iran's Tahsim News Agency that the ceremony marks a significant milestone for both nations, with the project representing the largest water endeavour for Iran's northwestern regions adjoining Azerbaijan.

Expected benefits include enhanced irrigation for agricultural growth, bolstering economic development, improved agricultural produce quality, and boosted tourism. The project comprises the construction of two hydroelectric complexes and plants: "Khudaferin" with a capacity of 100 MW and "Qiz Qalasi" with 40 MW capacity.

Once operational, the hydroelectric facilities will enable Azerbaijan to generate 358 million kWh of electricity annually, augmenting irrigation for 252,000 hectares of existing land and introducing irrigation for 12,000 hectares of new arable land. With a combined capacity of over 1.6 billion cubic meters, these facilities will facilitate the joint utilization of water and energy resources from the Araz River.

In July 2016, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev endorsed an Azerbaijani-Iranian agreement to advance the construction of the Khudaferin and Giz Galasy hydroelectric complex and promote shared utilization of energy resources.