ArmInfo. The implementation of the Armenian-Iranian project on construction of Meghri Hydropower Plant on Arax river may come across new problems.
According to iran.ru, Iranian lawmakers approved a bill on joint construction of two HPPs with Azerbaijan. The bill permits construction of electric power plants near the River Arax in the near-border area, in Marazad town of Iran and in Ordubad town of Azerbaijan.
In case the given project is implemented, the water resources may become insufficient for Meghri HPP. Earlier, Armenian Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Areg Galstyan said that the capacity of the project was reduced due to environmental problems related to the decrease of water in the River Arax and increase of water withdrawal by Turkey. Initially, it was planned to build two plants (Meghri - Armenia, Karachilar - Iran) with a capacity of 130MW each and an aggregate output of electricity of nearly 850 mln KW per annum. Now, however, the matter concerns 100 MW. During the investment payback period, the electric power generated at the Armenian plant will be supplied to Iran. After the payback of the capital investment, the electricity will become the property of Armenia.
To recall, the groundbreaking ceremony of Meghri HPP on the River Arax took place on 8 Nov 2012. Initially, the construction of the HPP worth $323 mln was expected to be over by early 2016. As many as 2,000 specialists and workers will be involved in various phases of construction.