On June 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev located on the premises of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant in Mingachevir, APA reports.
The head of state then met with guests participating in the inauguration ceremony of the “8 November” Power Plant and engaged in a conversation with them. During the meeting, the significance of the power plant project was emphasized, with particular recognition of the involvement of Italian and Chinese companies in its successful implementation. The timely completion of the project was also acknowledged with satisfaction.
It was followed by the inauguration ceremony of the "8 November" Power Plant.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.
Speech by President Ilham Aliyev
- Dear friends, distinguished guests, dear residents of Mingachevir,
Today is a significant day for the energy sector of our country. The inauguration of the “8 November” Power Plant is a remarkable milestone. In general, the creation of this plant will significantly bolster the energy potential of our country. The completion of all work in a short period of time demonstrates the strength, potential, experience, and professionalism of our energy workers. Today, the “8 November” Power Plant is the largest power plant in our country. With a capacity of 1,880 megawatts, this plant will, of course, further strengthen our energy potential, increase the efficiency of the energy system, and thus further reinforce the status of Mingachevir as the energy center not only of Azerbaijan but also of the entire South Caucasus. Currently, more than 40 percent of our electricity is generated in Mingachevir, and of course, all this work is further evidence that Azerbaijan is on the right track.
Mingachevir played a central role in the energy sector of Azerbaijan in the 1970s. On the initiative and under the direct leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the foundation of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant was laid in 1974 in Mingachevir. The first unit of the station was put into operation with the participation of the National Leader in 1981. After that, other units were commissioned, making this station one of the important energy centers of the Caucasus even during the Soviet era. Of course, we faced an energy shortage in the early years of our independence. Representatives of the middle and older generations will remember those years quite well. Even television broadcasts were stopped at 12 o’clock in the evening because our energy system could not produce the required amount of electricity. There were difficulties also in terms of fuel, and our energy infrastructure was completely outdated. Only thanks to the Mingachevir station, which was created on the initiative of the National Leader, electricity was supplied to the people and enterprises, albeit with some interruptions. In other words, the history of Mingachevir as an energy center is quite rich, and the strong human resource potential developed here, of course, has allowed us to achieve the successes we are celebrating today.
Over the past 20 years, we have built the energy system of Azerbaijan almost from scratch. New power plants have been constructed in various parts of the country. Reconstruction work has also been carried out in Mingachevir. As you remember, a major breakdown occurred here, leaving a large part of our country almost without electricity. After that, tangible measures were taken, and we achieved great success in a short time.
In 2018, the foundation for the reconstruction of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant was laid, and on June 25, 2020, exactly five years ago, the plant was given a new life. Currently, the generation capacity of the “Azerbaijan” Power Plant is 1,800 megawatts, the capacity of the “8 November” Plant is 1,880 megawatts, and the capacity of the Hydroelectric Power Plant is more than 400 megawatts. So, more than 40 percent of Azerbaijan's electricity is generated in Mingachevir, and, as I mentioned earlier, it is the main energy center not only of Azerbaijan but also of the entire South Caucasus.
The implementation of this project in such a short period of time – power engineers know this well – can be considered a record achievement. The construction period of a power plant with a capacity of about 2,000 megawatts usually takes several years – perhaps three, four, five years, or even longer. For example, during the Soviet era, the construction of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant in Mingachevir began in 1974, and the first unit was commissioned in 1981. In other words, after seven years, 300 megawatts of energy were obtained. We have now obtained about 2,000 megawatts of energy in just two years, and of course, there are many reasons for this. Naturally, our existing energy base here, our experience, the professionalism, knowledge, and skills of Azerbaijani power engineers, and, of course, the contribution of our international partners have all played a role.
I would specifically like to welcome our guests from Italy and China who are here with us today. Italian and Chinese companies have made a great contribution to the creation of this station. Together with Azerbaijani energy specialists, we have accomplished this remarkable project in a very short period of time.
I should also note that both Italy and China are strategic partners of Azerbaijan. Two declarations on strategic partnership have been signed with Italy and two with China. As a result of my numerous visits to these countries, very good results have been achieved in many areas. Italy is Azerbaijan's number one trading partner. China is also among our leading trading partners. Our long-term and strategic cooperation with Italy, especially in the energy sector, began several years ago in the crude oil and natural gas sectors. With China, we have recently started to jointly implement renewable energy projects. The necessary agreements were reached during my state visit to China in April. I should also mention that the supply of equipment for the new solar power plants currently under construction in Azerbaijan is largely provided by Chinese companies. In other words, these two countries are both strategic partners and important trading partners for us. As I mentioned, political relations are at a very high level, and we are witnessing a great example of international cooperation here.
The commissioning of the “8 November” Power Plant will serve multiple goals. As I mentioned earlier, it will increase the efficiency of our energy system, expand our potential, generation capacity, and significantly reduce conventional fuel consumption. Thus, this will create an opportunity for us to save natural gas. Because everyone knows very well that there is a great demand for Azerbaijani gas in world markets today, and the more we save natural gas domestically, the greater our export potential will be. Low consumption of conventional fuel here will bring us additional profits. Naturally, we are seeing and will continue to see savings of natural gas in renewable projects as well. Azerbaijan is also among the leading countries in this field. The renewable energy projects that have been signed, are already underway, and will be implemented in the future will provide us with 6,500 megawatts of green energy by 2030. Considering that our total generation capacity today is 9,000 megawatts, everyone can understand what this might mean. At the same time, we will be able to save natural gas, and as a result, our natural gas exports will increase even further. In other words, several objectives are being met here, and of course, our well-considered policy forms the basis of all these successes. We are working according to well-planned policies and programs in every direction.
Energy is a matter of national security for every country. Today, we can all clearly see the consequences of threats to energy infrastructure around the world, especially in Europe and other regions. Azerbaijan is among the countries contributing to European energy security today, and it is no coincidence that the European Union rightly calls Azerbaijan a reliable partner and pan-European gas supplier. Because today, Azerbaijani gas is exported to 12 countries through pipelines. Ten of them are European countries, and it is precisely according to this indicator, according to the geographical scope of our gas supply, that Azerbaijan is in the leading positions on a global scale today. Of course, many countries are using Azerbaijani gas to ensure their energy security. We export both natural gas and crude oil, oil and petrochemicals, and a certain amount of electricity. However, after the projects I have mentioned are fully operational, we will also export green energy via various electric cables. Thus, the economic power and geopolitical importance of our country will grow even further – though it is already quite strong. Azerbaijan will continue to enhance its role as a hub of stability, development, and progress in this region.
Everyone is following the developments taking place in the world today. It is possible to say that conflicts around us are not subsiding. On the contrary, new conflict zones are emerging. Clashes and wars are taking place, causing great disasters and human tragedies. We also know very well what war is. Our lands were under occupation for many years. During the Second Karabakh War, Armenia not only deliberately kept our cities, villages, and residential areas under fire but also did not forget to fire its missiles here to Mingachevir – if it is possible to say so. The goal of this was to paralyze our energy infrastructure. Even before the Second Karabakh War, Armenia, which used several methods to threaten us, including the bombing of Mingachevir, destroying the dam here, and disabling the Mingachevir Power Plant. The shells and long-range missiles that fell here, in this area, are clear evidence of that. This was an act of aggression against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure - a war crime. Armenia's war crimes are not limited to this. Armenia, which committed the Khojaly genocide and destroyed our settlements during the occupation, also shelled Ganja, Mingachevir, Barda, Tartar, Aghdam, and many settlements located quite far from the conflict zone during the Second Karabakh War. Armenia is a war criminal state.
In other words, by saying this, I want to emphasize once again how great the importance of this region, this infrastructure facility, is for our country. Now we are living in peace. For five years, peace has been fully secured in Azerbaijan, and of course, the sooner peace is achieved beyond our borders, the better it will be for those countries and, naturally, for us. However, the reality is that today our country is known worldwide as a place of stability, development, and progress. We have earned this reputation through our own labor, hard work, and thoughtful policy. Today, choosing the name of this power plant did not take much time. Among the proposed options, I selected “8 November.” Because this is the date of our glorious Victory. Victory is worthy of our people and our state. I am confident that this plant will serve our nation for many years and that its operation will be successful.
Once again, I congratulate each and every one of you on this wonderful event. Thank you.
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Adolfo Urso, Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy of the Italian Republic, said:
- I am very pleased to be here today to participate in the inauguration of such an important electricity generating facility together with President Ilham Aliyev.
We are attending an event in the city of Mingachevir. I remember quite well that two years ago, with my personal participation, we signed an agreement with Ansaldo Energia, including the head of that company, Fabbri, and it did not take long for the project to be implemented. This has been the peak of cooperation between our countries and enterprises.
This facility, which has an energy capacity of 2,000 megawatts, will reduce emissions into the air by 50 percent compared to the past. This also means protection of the environment. This is a very important step, because it further strengthens our cooperation in the energy sector. And of course, all of this is aimed at the energy development of Azerbaijan.
Of course, this development between Italy and Azerbaijan in the energy sector is obvious. President Aliyev has just noted that Azerbaijan’s natural gas is already being supplied to 10 European countries. The TAP pipeline is a strategically important pipeline, and the gas enters Europe through the territory of Italy. I believe that this is an important part of our strategic partnership in the energy sector in general. Today, we are putting this facility into operation, and this is a manifestation of our great efforts in the energy sector. This is our contribution to our country. A strategic step is being taken to strengthen energy security, and of course, thanks to this, other industrial and production sectors will also develop. This cooperation is taking place within the framework of the strategic partnership initiated between our leaders – President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
We believe that there should be similar cooperation in other areas as well. Among them are sectors such as metallurgy, green technology and raw materials. They are very important in terms of energy transition in both countries. As is the case in our country and in Europe as a whole, we are very committed to this and think that we also cooperate in the fields of culture and science. We see this in the example of the Italian-Azerbaijani University in Baku. Of course, in the future, new engineers will be trained at that university and contribute to the development of Azerbaijan. I do believe that this creates an opportunity for cooperation between our countries not only in the fields of education and culture, but also in other areas, including the economy.
I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev for his attention to Italy, to express my great satisfaction with today's opening ceremony, and convey the greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. We think that we will continue our cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
I express my sincere gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the cooperation that Azerbaijan has established with us and for the work carried out by our Embassy. Let me also sincerely congratulate all of you. We also want the conflict in your neighboring country, Iran, to subside and de-escalate. Because this is very important. Because we believe that when conflicts decrease, diplomacy and dialogue kick in and more opportunities for cooperation are created. All these are concepts that every country needs. We do believe that Azerbaijan can be an example for its neighbors.
At the end of my speech, I congratulate you once again.
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Fabrizio Fabbri, Chief Executive Officer of Ansaldo Energia, said:
- Your Excellencies, President Ilham Aliyev, Minister Adolfo Urso, ladies and gentlemen.
It is a true honour to be here today in Mingachevir to celebrate the inauguration of this landmark power plant, a project that stands as a symbol of Azerbaijan's enduring commitment to energy security, sustainability and industrial progress.
For Ansaldo Energia today it also represents a milestone in a long-lasting and trusted partnership with Azerbaijan. Our collaboration began with the first project on equipment supply for four substations in the liberated territories, and it has been continued to grow stronger ever since.
The new “8 November” Power Plant is now the largest, most strategic facility of this kind in the country. It exemplifies Republic of Azerbaijan's dynamic and forward-looking approach to modernizing its energy infrastructure, deploying cleaner and more reliable and more efficient technology. The plant includes four state-of-the-art gas turbines and generators supplied by Ansaldo Energia, enabling a significant reduction of CO2 emission and an important saving of natural gas consumption – a remarkable contribution to both environmental protection and energy efficiency.
Ansaldo Energia supplied four advanced IE94.3A gas turbines and four generators for this landmark installation. The AE94.3A gas turbine stands out for its outstanding operational flexibility, proven reliability and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, this gas turbine is ready to bar up to 40% of hydrogen in blend with natural gas.
This only further improves the plant but will also support Azerbaijan national climate targets and its broader ambition to low-carbon future. This has been an ambition and demanding project, both technically and in terms of delivery. Full implementation within only two years and its low cost make this project incomparable to the similar ones.
All challenges encountered along the way were successfully met and overcome thanks to constant collaboration, joint problem-solving and mutual dedication. Today the plant is fully operational and the equipment is delivering excellent performance – a shared success and one we are proud to celebrate together with Azerbaijan.
The collaboration goes far beyond typical supplier-customer relationship. It is rooted in shared values, as Minister Adolfo Urso said, and long-term vision. Ansaldo Energia is not only providing technology, we are also investing advanced training programme and local capacity, building to support Republic of Azerbaijan’s energy transition for the years to come. The strength of partnership is also reflected in the institutional level, in the increasing solid relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy. The recent meeting between His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and our Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is further evidence of the strategic importance of this relationship.
At the COP29 climate conference, Ansaldo Energia and Azerbaijan’s AzerEnergy signed a memorandum of understanding. This document formalized our shared commitment to energy security and transition strategies and training. It marked a new phase of collaboration and innovation sustainability and joint responsibility for the future.
The Republic of Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in European energy security. Thanks to its strategic location and natural resources and consistent energy policy, its position as a natural gas supplier combined with effort and modernized infrastructure has made it a central actor in global energy cooperation.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ansaldo Energia is proud to be part of the Republic of Azerbaijan's innovation path, not only through cutting-edge technology, but through a shared vision of what the future of energy can and should be.
Together, we are building a model to energy cooperation in both secure and sustainable focus on technology and human factor. We look forward to new opportunities that this partnership will unlock. Today is not the end of a project.
It is the beginning of a new chapter and a shared journey. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to His Excellency President Aliyev, to Minister Adolfo Urso, and to the management of AzerEnergy, and to all people who made this extraordinary result possible, from engineers to field workers, from the project teams to national and local authorities. Your professionalism, determination and commitment have brought us here today to witness this achievement.
Thank you all.
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Chen Qiang, Chairman of the Board of China’s Dongfang Electric International Corporation, said:
- Honorable Mr. President Ilham Aliyev,
Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Today we have gathered here to witness a significant milestone in the energy history of Azerbaijan - the full commissioning of the new 1,880 MW power plant in Mingachevir.
On this occasion, on behalf of “Dongfang Electric Corporation”, I express my sincere congratulations and deep respect and admiration to the President of Azerbaijan, the State, and AzerEnergy OJSC and all partners involved in the construction!
Located near the Mingachevir reservoir and being the largest energy production center in Azerbaijan, this modern power plant will play an important role as a “grid stabilizer” in the process of developing renewable energy sources. As Dongfang Electric Corporation, we are very proud that AzerEnergy OJSC has entrusted us with this important project as the main equipment supplier. This is not only an indicator of the value placed on our technical capabilities, but also a great responsibility that falls on us.
There are long-term and extensive relations between Dongfang and the energy sector of Azerbaijan. Fifteen years ago, we provided the main hydro-generation units for the Mingachevir Hydropower Plant. Two years ago, Dongfang participated in the largest solar energy project in Azerbaijan as an “Engineering, Procurement and Construction” contractor, and the Honorable Mr. President personally attended the opening ceremony of this plant. Today, we are opening a new page in the cooperation between China and Azerbaijan by building the largest power plant in Azerbaijan.
When I signed the contract with AzerEnergy OJSC in Baku at the end of 2022, I once again understood the importance of this project. Our company attached special importance to this project. Taking into account the professionalism of the customer team and the quality requirements and implementation period set for the project, we mobilized our most professional team for all work, from design to production, from logistics to installation and operation stages.
As a result of two years of continuous work, we have finally managed to turn all the indicators reflected in the project plan into reality with joint efforts. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to the AzerEnergy team.
Hereby, I express my deep gratitude to the State of Azerbaijan for the direction it has shown within the framework of the “Energy Independence” strategy, and to the Government of China for its support within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. It is thanks to this support that trans-border projects have been implemented, overcoming geographical limitations.
I am sure that this new plant will become an exemplary project for regional energy cooperation.
I would like to note that Dongfang will continue to operate in the Azerbaijani market and will continue to provide comprehensive support to your country's energy transition with all technologies included in the industrial chain, including hydropower, solar, wind and gas power generation, and continue its activities to further expand the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Azerbaijan.
Finally, we wish the "8 November" Power Plant to operate safely and sustainably, and we believe that it will also give a strong impetus to the development of Azerbaijan. We wish us to achieve greater achievements in the framework of energy cooperation between China and Azerbaijan and to further deepen our friendly relations!
Thank you everyone!
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Uzeyir Yusifov, Director of the Energy Production Operator of AzerEnergy OJSC, said:
- Dear Mr. President,
Dear participants of the event,
First of all, Mr. President, please allow me to express our sincere gratitude to you on behalf of Azerbaijan’s energy workers for your personal participation in the commissioning ceremony of the largest power plant built in our country since independence. Let me express our gratitude for your highest appreciation of our work and our pride in having your company on such a significant day for us.
History truly repeats itself. The first power unit of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant, which is still considered the largest thermal power plant in the South Caucasus, was commissioned on October 20, 1981 – precisely on the initiative and under the direct leadership of the National Leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev. I am proud that I was also fortunate to participate in that event as a young engineer. October 20 became the foundation for a new stage in the development of Azerbaijan’s energy sector and was later established as a professional holiday for Azerbaijan’s energy workers by the Decree of Your Excellency.
The existence of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant, a project implemented at the scale of nationwide construction in the former USSR, was able to cover the main part of the energy needs of the independent Azerbaijani state after the collapse of the Soviet Union, becoming the most sustainable and reliable enterprise of the country's energy system.
Dear Mr. President, we are happy that energy workers were able to preserve this magnificent legacy of the National Leader under your leadership.
After the events of July 2018, when the well-known breakdown occurred, reconstruction and major repairs were carried out at the station within the framework of the “Rehabilitation Program” prepared in a short time on your instructions, which gave the enterprise a second lease on life. The station, which is of particular importance for the country's population and economy, was saved from the threat of shutdown, its life was extended by at least 20 years, its reliability and stability were ensured, and 620 MW of lost generation capacity was restored.
In order to meet the country's growing power demand, balance the integration of large-capacity renewable energy sources into the overall energy system, and ensure the stability of the energy grid, we proposed a more efficient project. For this purpose, specialists of AzerEnergy OJSC prepared a project to create additional generation capacity by integrating four gas turbines with a capacity of 320 megawatts into the steam turbines of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant, which has an efficiency factor of 35 percent and conventional fuel consumption of 340 grams per 1 kWh of electricity production, to increase the efficiency factor to 55 percent and reduce conventional fuel consumption to 225 grams per kWh. With Your Excellency’s blessing, on February 13, 2023, the construction of a new power plant with an additional capacity of 1,280 MW was launched at the premises of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant.
I am extremely proud to participate in the construction and opening ceremony of a new plant of great power in the city of Mingachevir for the second time after forty-four years.
In order to increase the total capacity of the new project to 1,880 MW, our specialists have implemented innovations, and with the aim of ensuring the full efficiency of the technological process, the reconstruction and modernization of the steam turbines of the seventh and eighth power units have been fully completed on a guaranteed basis, without affecting the operating principle of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant and keeping the other power units in operation. The equipment has been replaced, the circulating cooling water lines have been completely upgraded, the pumps and cooling water treatment devices have been replaced with new ones, and the steam turbine control, monitoring, and measurement systems have been fully equipped with modern technology.
For the first time in existing gas turbine plants, two turbo compressor units manufactured by the Italian company “Franco Tosi” are used in the gas supply of gas turbines instead of electric gas compressors. Thanks to the integration of the energy system automation, SCADA, and other modern control systems, the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the plant has been ensured.
As a result of the integration, the steam from the waste heat boilers of the newly built power plant is supplied to steam turbines No. 7 and 8 of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant, as a result of which the conventional fuel consumption of the new plant is 225 grams, which is 115 grams less than that of the other units of the “Azerbaijan” Power Plant. This means annual savings of 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas and a reduction in carbon emissions of about 2 million tons, depending on the production volume.
I would like to note that during the testing and commissioning of the new project, more than 250 million cubic meters of natural gas were saved before reaching maximum workload, and the volume of electricity produced was 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours.
National contractors “BCC-GROUP” and “Elektro Industries,” Italy’s “Ansaldo Energia,” “AFRY,” and “Franco Tosi,” China’s “Dongfang” and “TBEA,” Spain’s “İDOM,” Russia’s “SRMZ,” a number of leading companies from Türkiye, as well as local and foreign specialists, have made special contributions to the implementation of the project.
The world’s leading energy companies and independent technical experts such as “TEPSCO” (Japan), “McKinsey & Company” (USA), “ABB” (Sweden), the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and the Technical Council of the Energy System have given positive feedback on the technical and economic viability of the project.
As another innovation, I would like to note that during the testing and commissioning process, our specialists determined the generation of an additional 100 tons of steam. Efficient use of such a large volume of steam was considered expedient, and measures to integrate it into the sixth steam turbine to obtain additional power have been initiated.
Thus, by using the remaining steam, an additional 90 MW of power will be obtained in addition to 1,880 MW, and the capacity of the new station will thus be increased to 1,970 MW. At the same time, the integration of steam turbine No. 6 will protect the energy system and the station against possible load shortages and will lead to a reduction in the conventional fuel consumption of the produced electricity by 10–15 grams, i.e., conventional fuel consumption will drop to 210–215 g/kWh. As AzerEnergy OJSC, we are proud of the successful completion of this project and are confident that this station will serve the people of Azerbaijan for many years.
Dear Mr. President, the fact that you awarded our new enterprise the name of the glorious Victory Day of November 8, a victory won under your strong leadership and written in the centuries-old history of our people in golden letters, is a manifestation of the highest appreciation you have for our work. We assure you that we will always be worthy of this magnificent name through our work.
We congratulate everyone on this significant event and hope that the “8 November” Power Plant will bring success and prosperity to our people and state.
x x x
A video showcasing the construction of the '8 November' Power Plant was then screened.
x x x
Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev and Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso officially inaugurated the power plant.
President Ilham Aliyev and the guests then visited the area of the plant that had been targeted by a missile attack during the Patriotic War.
On October 4, 2020, a “Smerch” multiple-launch rocket system missile with high destructive power was fired at the station. The missile struck the area between the 6th and 7th energy blocks. On October 11, 2020, another missile was launched, landing near the Control Center.
Thanks to preemptive defense measures, the missiles were neutralized without causing damage.
Later, the head of state and the guests toured the grounds of the newly inaugurated power plant.
x x x
By the Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on October 25, 2022, a decision was made to construct the largest power plant of Azerbaijan’s independence period on the grounds of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in the city of Mingachevir. The project aims to ensure energy sustainability, meet rising demand, create additional generation capacity, boost export potential, conserve natural gas, and protect the environment. The project was developed based on proposals from Azerbaijani engineers and involves collaboration with leading international energy companies and independent technical experts.
For the construction of the plant, approximately 1,500 containers of materials and equipment were delivered from abroad by sea.
Four Util Boilers, with a total volume of 40,000 cubic meters and a combined weight of 20,000 tons, were supplied by China’s “Dongfang” company.
Gas turbines and generators with a total weight exceeding 3,000 tons were manufactured by Italy’s “Ansaldo Energia”. These, along with auxiliary equipment, were transported to the Port of Baku via a secondary logistics route from Italy. Due to the large dimensions of each unit—over 300 to 400 tons—underpasses were excavated beneath bridges along the road to Mingachevir, and the roads were restored after transportation was completed.
More than 2,500 local and foreign specialists took part in the construction and installation of the “8 November” Power Plant.
To ensure a stable gas supply to the station, a new 10-kilometer gas pipeline was laid, two gas distribution and regulation stations were built, and compressor units were installed.
To integrate the “8 November” Power Plant into the national grid, the 500 kV and 330 kV substations of the existing “Azerbaijan” TPP were completely reconstructed. Additionally, a 65.6-kilometer “Mingachevir–Samukh” transmission line was built, and reconstruction work was carried out at the “Samukh” substation. Essential infrastructure such as fire protection, ventilation, digital control, and monitoring systems were also installed at the station.
While power plants of this scale typically require three to five years to complete, Azerbaijan successfully completed the project in just two years. Moreover, compared to similar facilities in other countries, this plant was constructed at significantly lower financial cost.
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12:18
On June 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev located on the premises of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant in Mingachevir, APA reports.
Then, the head of state met with guests participating in the inauguration ceremony of the “8 November” Power Plant and had a conversation with them. During the meeting, the significance of the power plant project was highlighted, and the involvement of Italian and Chinese companies in the project was noted as particularly important. The timely completion of the project was also acknowledged with satisfaction.
It was followed by the inauguration ceremony of the "8 November" Power Plant.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.
Then, Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, CEO of the Italian company Ansaldo Energia Fabrizio Fabbri, Chairman of the Board of China’s Dongfang company Chen Qiang, and Director of Energy Production Operations at AzerEnergy JSC Uzeyir Yusifov delivered speeches.
Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev and Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso officially inaugurated the power plant.
President Ilham Aliyev and the guests then visited the area of the plant that had been targeted by a missile attack during the Patriotic War. On October 4, 2020, a “Smerch” multiple-launch rocket system missile with high destructive power was fired at the station. The missile struck the area between the 6th and 7th energy blocks. On October 11, 2020, another missile was launched, landing near the Control Center.
Thanks to preemptive defense measures, the missiles were neutralized without causing damage.
Later, the head of state and the guests toured the grounds of the newly inaugurated power plant.
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10:45
The inauguration ceremony of the "8 November" Power Plant was held in Mingachevir on June 24, APA reports.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.
Then, Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, CEO of the Italian company Ansaldo Energia Fabrizio Fabbri, Chairman of the Board of China’s Dongfang company Chen Qiang, and Director of Energy Production Operations at AzerEnergy JSC Uzeyir Yusifov delivered speeches.
Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev and Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso officially inaugurated the power plant.
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09:46
The inauguration ceremony of the "8 November" Power Plant started in Mingachevir, APA reports.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.
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09:32
The inauguration ceremony of the "8 November" Power Plant started in Mingachevir, APA reports.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is delivering a speech at the event.
