ARMENIA TO EXPORT ELECTRIC POWER TO TURKEY?

Balkans.com Business News
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April 29 2010

Despite suspension of ratification procedure of the Armenian-Turkish
Protocols because of inactivity of the Turkish Government, Armenia
has enough potential to export electric power to Turkey and transit
it to Middle East countries, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said
at the 11th session of the Nuclear Energy Safety Council, an advisory
body to the Armenian President, on Tuesday.

The president said that Armenia has made certain steps to normalize
relations with Turkey. Opening of the last closed border in Europe
would give an opportunity to establish economic ties, also in the
energy sector. At present, he said, the electric power market in
the region is at the stage of establishment and implies creation of
a ring energy system of the Black Sea countries and synchronization
of the energy systems of Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and others.

Sahak Abrahamyan, Director General of High Voltage Electric Networks
of Armenia CJSC, told ArmInfo the company has made contracts with
two Turkish companies, Unit International and Birenerji , for supply
of electricity to Turkey. S. Abrahamyan said that Armenia is now
expecting a proposal from Turkey with a request for the date and
volume of Armenian electric power supply to Turkey. Earlier Minister
of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan said that in 2010
Armenia would be able to start electric power supply to Turkey via
the operating power transmission lines Guymri-Kars (200MW). Armenia
supplied electricity to Turkey in Soviet times. At the initial stage
Armenia will supply 1.5bln kWh electricity to Turkey yearly. In future,
the supply volume may be increased to 3.5bln kWh yearly.