WB sets approval date for financing renewable energy project in Azerbaijan

The World Bank's Board of Directors plans to approve the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Development Project (AZURE), a joint initiative with the Azerbaijani government, on March 21, Report informs.

According to the World Bank, the total project budget is $173.5 million, while previously it was estimated at $294.5 million.

The AZURE project provides for the integration of up to 1.8 GW of variable renewable energy (VRE) into Azerbaijan's power system. The project will ensure the connection of the Absheron-Garadag wind power plant to the general grid, as well as the construction of new power transmission lines to improve power supply reliability.

The AZURE Project will consist of approximately 350 km of OHLs that extend from the Navahi region to the Mingachevir and Absheron regions.

The project envisages connection of Absheron Garadagh Wind IPP and 330 kV Expansion, including new transmission lines: 65 km OHL single circuit 330 kV from Absheron wind plant substation to Navahi substation, 19 km OHL single circuit 330 kV from Absheron wind plant substation to Gobu PP substation, 22 km OHL double circuit 330 kV from Navahi substation to Alat substation and expansion of 330 kV bays at Gobu PP substation.

In addition, the project includes the installation of two 500 MVA transformers at the Navahi substation and the expansion of 500 and 330 kV bays at Absheron substations, Azerbaijan TPP and Gobu power plant.

The area of AZURE and Associated Facilities spans the southern and central parts of Azerbaijan spreading to 9 regions of the country, namely Absheron, Hajigabul, Yevlakh, Aghsu, Agdash, Mingachevir, Gobustan, Goychay, and Ismayilli. The Project will be crossing the rivers of Kura, Girdimanchay, Turyanchay, Goychay and Yukhari Shirvan canals at several points.