Igdir-Nakhchivan Gas Pipeline: First steps of strategic project

The energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is growing stronger day by day. One of the most significant indicators of this partnership is the Igdir-Nakhchivan Gas Pipeline, the third gas pipeline project (after Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and TANAP) implemented within the framework of the strategic alliance between the two countries.

This project will ensure the energy security of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan by providing a stable and reliable source of gas supply. Currently, Nakhchivan receives gas based on a swap agreement between Azerbaijan and Iran, but with the construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan line, this dependency will be eliminated.

The project will not only strengthen Azerbaijan's energy independence but also fortify economic ties with Türkiye. Most importantly, Azerbaijan will have control over the quality of the gas transported to Nakhchivan.

The decision to construct the Igdir-Nakhchivan Gas Pipeline was made with a memorandum of understanding signed in Ankara on December 25, 2020. With an annual transmission capacity of 730 million cubic meters, this pipeline will fully meet Nakhchivan's gas demand.

On September 25, 2023, the foundation of the Igdir-Nakhchivan Gas Pipeline was laid with the participation of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The construction of the Azerbaijani section of the project is carried out by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), while the Turkish section is being built by BOTAS.

Work at the Dilucu station, the final station of the gas pipeline on the Turkish side, is already in its final stage. Once ready, the gas will travel more than 80 km from the starting point to reach this station and then be transported to Nakhchivan.

The length of the pipeline from Igdir to Sadarak district is approximately 100 km. The Azerbaijani section is 17 km long, while the Turkish section spans more than 80 km. The construction of the Azerbaijani part began in July 2023.

The Sadarak gas distribution station is of the "Reverse" type, meaning it can both receive and export gas. Completion work here is also nearing its end, and the operations are planned to be finished by the end of 2024.

Polad Rustamov, Deputy Vice President of SOCAR and Head of Gas Operations at SOCAR Midstream Operations LLC, stated that the project would be completed by the end of November, and operations would commence from that date: "The daily transmission capacity of the pipeline is envisaged to be 2 million cubic meters, which is equivalent to approximately 730 million cubic meters per year. With minor modifications to the project, it is possible to increase this volume to 5 million cubic meters per day, or up to 1.8 billion cubic meters annually."