Iranian President to discuss energy cooperation in Armenia

 December 23, 2011 - 13:35 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has arrived in Armenia for an official visit. At the airport, the President was welcomed by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

Further, Armenia's presidential residence hosted the meeting of Ahmadinejad with Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan.

Discussion of Meghri hydropower plant construction, as well as other projects to be implemented is on presidential visit agenda.

Armenia and Iran are planning to build two high-capacity hydropower plants: in Meghri and Karachilar (Iran). Each plant is envisaged to generate 793mln kilowatt/h of electric power. Preparations for the construction in Meghri will finish this year, the project being estimated at $323mln to be invested by the Iranian Investment Company. According to the agreement, the power generated by the plant will be delivered to Iran during 15 years. Afterwards, the plant will be transferred to Armenian side. As to construction of other plants, it's hardly possible as Armenia doesn't possess sufficient water resources.