Armenia to Begin Direct Power Deliveries to Turkey in 2009

Sep 16, 2008 - Daily News Bulletin

Armenia will begin direct electricity deliveries to Turkey in 2009, Armenian Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisian told journalists on Wednesday.

This agreement was reached during the recent visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Movsisian said.

High Voltage Power Lines of Armenia and Turkey's private company Unit signed a contract on electricity deliveries during Gul's visit to Armenia.

In line with the agreement, the Turkish side will have to restore damaged portions of high voltage power lines on its territory within four or five months and set up new transformers and after this the country will be ready to receive electricity from Armenia. There are no technical problems on the Armenian side, the minister said.

According to preliminary agreements, Armenia will deliver 1.5 billion kilowatts of energy per year to Turkey at the initial stage. It is planned to increase the amount of supplied power up to 3.5 billion kilowatts per year. Power generated at Armenian thermal plants will be shipped to Turkey, the minister said.

Armenia's export price for Turkey will be $0.057 per one kilowatt per hour of energy, the minister said, noting that the price will change in the future.