ALTERNATIVE MODELS FOR LINKING POWER GRIDS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS
By M. Alkhazashvili, translated by Diana Dundua

The Messenger
Dec 11 2007
Georgia

Two regional electric power sharing arrangements are being discussed
at the moment, both involving Georgia and Russia. The first model
would link these two countries to Armenia and Iran, the second to
Azerbaijan and Turkey.

At the end of November the Armenian parliament approved an agreement
with Georgia and Iran and in December Baku expressed its interest
in connecting a regional network, when Marlen Askerov, the vice
president of Azerbaijan’s state electric company Azerenerji OJSC,
invited Russia to join Georgia and Turkey in electricity sharing.

Russia’s interests in Armenia’s energy sector-a Russian company
operates the Metsamor nuclear power station-was foreseen as a
possible obstacle to cooperation with Azerbaijan. However, whereas
Baku is yet to comment on the issue, Armenian Energy Minister Armen
Movsesian recently said Armenia would not oppose Russian cooperation
with Azerbaijan.

"Every country has the right to cooperate with its neighbors on
regional projects including those in the energy sphere," he stated.