Energy Ministers of Iran and Russia Discuss Expanding Cooperation in the Field of Electric Power

Economic and political conditions for implementing the project to connect the power grids of Iran and Russia through the Republic of Azerbaijan were considered, based on the results of economic studies conducted by Munenco in 2019. The necessity of forming a tripartite working group of energy ministers from the three countries was recognized to ensure the possibility of transmitting a limited volume of electricity from the southern part of Russia, especially during the summer period, provided circumstances are favorable.

Technological and Scientific Cooperation

In accordance with the plan for scientific and technical cooperation in the energy sphere, special attention was paid to the transfer of gas turbine technology, localization of component production, implementation of 765 kV transmission lines, modernization of the power system, supply of high-voltage equipment, and the development of hydropower projects for joint production and launch of a carbon market to manage climate change.

Positions of the Parties on Cooperation

Aliyabadi, expressing gratitude for the presence of the Russian Minister of Energy at the ceremony honoring the Martyr-Leader of the Islamic Revolution, noted the significance of this meeting, as Iran and Russia possess extensive and strategic partnerships in the fields of electrical interconnection, supply of equipment for the energy industry, renewable and traditional energy. He also stated that the creation of a joint Iranian-Russian working group is one of the most important achievements of the meeting, which will serve as a basis for advancing joint projects, including the connection of the two countries' power grids.

Regarding the joint Sirik TPP, it was decided that the cooperation of the companies responsible for implementing this project should continue, and the governments of both countries must support it to achieve the planned goals. Furthermore, Aliyabadi mentioned that although energy storage was previously carried out mainly through hydroelectric power plants, today the agenda includes the development of storage systems of various scales, from household to industrial, and cooperation between Iran and Russia in this area will continue.

Agreements on Working Groups

Sergey Tsylyov, the Russian Minister of Energy, added that despite some issues still requiring consideration, the companies responsible for the Sirik project are obliged to continue cooperation according to the contract terms, and he hopes that existing problems will be resolved with the support of the two ministries. On the sidelines of the meeting, Tsylyov announced an agreement between the parties to establish a joint working group involving private sector representatives to accelerate the fulfillment of agreements concerning renewable energy, energy storage, and energy transmission projects.