Russia seeks electricity imports from Azerbaijan, Georgia in case of emergency situations

Board member of Russia's Inter RAO Alexandra Panina has said that Russia reached out to Azerbaijan and Georgia regarding the potential import of 600 MW of electricity during emergency situations.

Panina made these remarks during the All-Russian Tariff Conference, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"Indeed, we have requested information from both countries: Azerbaijan and Georgia, regarding the possibility of supply. We are exploring the option of importing electricity and have asked these two neighbouring power systems to be ready to render support during emergency situations," she stated.

"In case of emergency situations, we would, at the request of the System Operator, approach both Georgia and Azerbaijan to supply 300 MW each," Panina added. 

She noted that the company has not received responses from either Georgia or Azerbaijan yet.

Panina emphasised that Russia aims to avoid relying on electricity imports but may turn to the power systems of neighbouring countries in case of emergency situations.

Temporary energy consumption restrictions were made in southern Russia in July due to a malfunction at the Rostov Nuclear Power Plant.

The Russian Energy Ministry previously approved a scheme and development programme for electricity systems for 2024-2029, which identified three regions requiring new generation capacity due to energy deficits. Specifically, the southwestern part of the Southern Energy System faces a shortfall of 857 MW, potentially increasing to 1.29 GW. 

During a competitive selection process held in mid-August for new generation construction in southern Russia, the System Operator was unable to select a project that met the selection criteria. The capacity of the chosen projects was expected to be between 855 and 941 MW, with a planned commissioning date in July 2029.

By Naila Huseynova