Opening ceremony of the Chirag-1 and Chirag-2 small hydroelectric power stations in Kalbajar

On August 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Chirag-1 and Chirag-2 small hydroelectric power stations, owned by Azerenergy Open Joint Stock Company, in the Kalbajar district. During the ceremony, the President activated the hydroelectric power stations.

The Chirag-1 hydroelectric power station with a capacity of 8.33 megawatts, located on the Tartar River in western Kalbajar and the Chirag-2 station, with a capacity of 3.6 megawatts, situated on the Garaarkhaj River, both have been completely rebuilt and equipped with the latest technology by Azerenergy OJSC. Despite the harsh climate and terrain, construction was completed ahead of schedule. To maintain ecological standards, diversion pipes were installed above the river’s base, considering 50 percent of the river’s flow. Additionally, a controllable main water intake facility was constructed at an altitude of 1,750 meters, and 7 kilometers of diversion pipes were newly installed.

For both Chirag-1 and Chirag-2, machine halls were built, and modern eco-turbines, generators, control systems, relay protection, and automation panels from leading European manufacturers were installed. Chirag-1 and Chirag-2 stations are fully integrated into the energy system and connected to a centralized SCADA system, allowing for remote management. Together, the two stations will produce approximately 35 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.