Iran to expand cooperation with Armenia in energy field

PanARMENIAN.Net - Currently, Armenia and Iran discuss a range of joint project, some of which are at the stage of implementation.

Iranian Minister of Energy Majid Namjou is on a two-day visit to Armenia. On October 14, he met with Armenian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan to discuss outlooks of bilateral cooperation. Besides, Iran-Armenia third transmission line construction was launched the same day.

The cost of new transmission line (with capacity of 400kV) and Noravan substation construction will make 107,9mln euros to be financed by the Iranian Export Development Bank.

On October 15, the two ministers signed three documents: memorandum of understanding between the two ministries, memorandum of ecological norms observance on the common border and Arax river, as well as draft agreement on construction, management, exploitation and transfer of Meghri hydropower plant. Armenia and Iran are going to construct two hydropower plants on Arax river. Under the document, the Investment Company of Iran is responsible for both attraction of investments and organizational matters related to the hydropower plant construction and exploitation. “The two projects are only a part of numerous programs that we intend to implement with Armenia in the energy field,” said Majid Namjou.

According to him, the working stage of Meghri hydropower plant construction will be clarified during Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s visit to Iran.

Armen Movsisyan noted for his part that the signing of agreement on Meghri hydropower plant is a result of long-term work. “After the agreement signing we will launch its construction soon,” he said. The project cost makes $323mln, while works duration – 5 years. The energy produced by it will be supplied to Iran for 15 years through a transmission line with capacity of 230kV. After that, Meghri hydropower plant will be transferred for Armenia’s free use.