The Second Stage of in the Development of Electric Power Engineering (1970-1991)

Development of independent electric power system of Azerbaijan

A solid foundation for developing an independent electric power system in Azerbaijan was laid in the 1970s.

In 1970, the Araz Water Junction and two hydroelectric power plants, each with a capacity of 22 MW, were constructed jointly with the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Araz River in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and put into operation.

Between 1971–1972, the Sumgayit Thermal Power Center No. 2 was expanded, and two new turbine units with a total capacity of 110 MW were commissioned. Subsequently, during 1973–1974, the installation of two turbine units, each with a capacity of 50 MW, was completed at Thermal Power Center No. 1.

In 1976–1977, the Tartar Water Junction and the Tartar Hydroelectric Power Plant, with a capacity of 50 MW, were commissioned on the Tartar River. By the end of the 1970s, the total installed capacity of power plants in the republic reached 2,882.4 MW, and annual electricity generation amounted to 15.4 billion kWh.

The Shamkir Hydroelectric Power Plant, with an installed capacity of 380 MW, was constructed between 1981 and 1982. Construction of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant (TPP) began in 1974. The first 300 MW power unit was commissioned in 1981, and the eighth and final unit of the same capacity was put into operation in 1989. The current installed capacity of the plant is 2,400 MW.

For the purpose of developing agriculture, irrigating fertile lands, and improving the energy supply of the Karabakh region, the Sarsang Reservoir and the Sarsang Hydroelectric Power Plant, with a capacity of 50 MW, were constructed and commissioned on the Tartar River in 1976–1977.

Development of Network Infrastructure

 Parallel to the construction of power plants during this period, electricity transmission and distribution networks were systematically expanded, resulting in the formation of a stable and integrated power system.

Between 1968 and 1971, the following facilities were commissioned: 330 kV Ali Bayramli SDPP–Agdam–Ganja–Agstafa and Ali Bayramli SDPP–Yashma–Derbend high-voltage transmission lines; 330/110/20 kV Yashma, Ganja, and Agstafa junction substations. In 1972, the capacity of the Sumgayit Thermal Power Center No. 2 was increased to 220 MW.

During the 1980s, significant infrastructure projects were implemented, including: Construction of the 500 kV Absheron Transmission Lines No. 1 and No. 2, Mukhranis–Vali line, Mingachevir Lines No. 4 and No. 5; and Commissioning of the following substations: 500/330/220 kV Absheron, 330/110/10 kV Imishli, 220/110/10 kV Hovsan, Nizami, Mushfiq, Sangachal, Masalli, Agsu, and Babek. Additionally, the 330 kV Ali Bayramli Transmission Line No. 3 was connected to the power network.