SNC-Lavalin's Atkins presented its final report on small hydroelectric power plants in Azerbaijan

The final report of “SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins” company on the results of research on the improvement of the activities of small hydroelectric power plants in Azerbaijan and on efficient use of the hydro potential of rivers was presented online. A necessity of assessing the efficiency of existing small hydroelectric power plants, improving the operation of the plants taking into account international experience, as well as studing the feasibility of building new hydropower plants, taking into account the drought in recent years was underlined at the event held with the participation of the representatives of the Ministries of Energy, Ecology and Natural Resources, “Azernergy” OJSC, “SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins”, BP and the British Embassy in Azerbaijan. To this end, within the “Protocol of Intents” signed between the Ministry of Energy and BP on October 19, 2018, a working group consisting of specialists of relevant bodies was established in the Ministry and reseachs were conducted by involving “SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins” company in the implementation of the project. Within the project, visits were made to 6 selected areas for 5 small hydroelectric power plants and new plants, and an assessment was carried out. 
Presentations of representatives of” SNC-Lavalin's Atkins " company Rodrigo Freire De Macedo and Matt Skidmore brought to the attention the assesments of the efficiency aspect of existing small hydro power plants in our country, as well as of the stations planned to be built in selected areas, technical and economic indicators, the potential of mountain rivers and recommendations. 
Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov highly appreciated the importance of this project for two years and the support of BP, as well as other organizations. "Based on this report, taking into account the needs of electricity generation in our country, water potential and water scarcity, we will elaborate our development strategy for small hydro power plants. The development of this sector with the involvement of the private sector is one of the main goals,” the Minister added. 
BP Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Gary Jones said that Azerbaijan has rich hydrocarbon resources. However, the government's policy on energy transit is commendable.