Energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is strengthening day by day. The Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, one of the most important indicators of these relations, is the third gas pipeline project (after Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and TANAP) implemented within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries. This project will ensure the supply of gas to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from a stable and reliable source and ensure its energy security. Currently, Nakhchivan gas is supplied on the basis of an exchange agreement between Azerbaijan and Iran, but with the construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan line this dependence will disappear.
The project will strengthen Azerbaijan’s energy independence and further strengthen economic ties with Türkiye. The most important thing is that Azerbaijan can control the quality of the gas that will be transported to Nakhchivan.
It should be noted that the decision to build the Igdir-Nakhchivan Gas Pipeline was made with the memorandum of understanding signed in Ankara on December 25, 2020. This gas pipeline with an annual transportation capacity of 730 million cubic meters will fully cover the gas demand of Nakhchivan.
On September 25, 2023, the foundations of the Igdir-Nakhichevan gas pipeline were laid with the participation of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The construction of the Azerbaijani part of the project is carried out by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Turkish part by BOTAŞ.
The works at the Dilucu station, the last point of the gas pipeline in Türkiye, are in their final phases. Once ready, gas from the starting point will be delivered to this station, covering a distance of more than 80 kilometers, and from there it will be transported to Nakhchivan.
The length of the pipeline from Igdir to Saderak district is about 100 km. The length of the Azerbaijani part is 17 km and that of the Turkish part is more than 80 km. Construction of the Azerbaijani part of the belt began in July 2023.
Sadarak gas distribution station is “Reverse” type, which means it can receive and export gas. Also in this case the completion works are nearing completion and are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
SOCAR Deputy Vice President Polad Rustamov, head of gas operations at SOCAR Midstream Operations LLC, said that the project will be completed by the end of November and operations will begin from that date: “The daily transmission capacity of the gas pipeline is planned 2 million cubic meters, which is equivalent to approximately 730 million cubic meters per year. With small modifications that can be made to the project, it is possible to increase this volume to 5 million cubic meters per day, that is, up to 1.8. billion cubic meters per year.
Information Agency “Informe”
