ArmInfo. Armenia is considering expanding energy ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey. This was stated by David Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia, in a conversation with journalists on October 16 on the sidelines of the COP17 leaders' summit under the motto "Leaders for Nature."
Responding to clarification on what representatives of relevant Armenian and Azerbaijani agencies agreed to on October 8 in Goris during a discussion on issues related to the installation of power transmission lines (PTLs) as part of the Trump Route Project (TRIPP), the minister noted that the statement issued by the Ministry fully reflects the agenda of the discussions held with representatives of the Azerbaijani energy sector. "In particular, the parties discussed issues related to energy infrastructure within the TRIPP framework. This is the second meeting dedicated to this agenda. The previous meeting took place last month with representatives of the two countries' energy ministries. The current talks focused on the integration of the energy systems of Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is due to the fact that, if necessary, Armenia will be able to purchase electricity from Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan from Armenia," the minister stated.
He said that over the past period, the parties have studied the relevant infrastructure and assessed the possibilities for its use. According to him, given the relatively small investment required, the existing infrastructure already allows for the practical implementation of the discussed solutions. Regarding the prospects for holding the next meeting in the near future, Khudatyan noted that no specific agreement has yet been reached. However, he is confident that discussions will continue, as a significant amount of work remains to be done within the framework of TRIPP.
The Armenian official emphasized that Armenia's energy strategy is to expand connectivity to neighboring countries' energy systems in various directions and with the maximum possible capacity. "This agenda is not new for us." As part of this approach, we are implementing a "gas for electricity" program with Iran, and during certain seasons, we purchase electricity from Georgia. Our strategy in this regard has not changed," Khudatyan noted.
Speaking about Armenia's possible need to purchase electricity from Azerbaijan, the minister noted the changing situation in the energy market. According to him, just a year ago, Armenia was experiencing an electricity surplus, and the country generally acted as an electricity exporter in the region. "However, the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure and the emergence of corresponding data centers could significantly increase demand for electricity," Khudatyan noted.
In this regard, he did not rule out the possibility that, under certain circumstances, Armenia might need to import electricity, including from Azerbaijan, as is the case with Georgia. Commenting on the proposal to form a new energy system for Armenia jointly with Turkey and Azerbaijan, Khudatyan explained that the idea is not to create a new system, but to unite existing energy systems. "We are currently negotiating to ensure our energy flows within this framework," he emphasized. In particular, according to the minister, the existing Kars-Gyumri infrastructure could be used for cooperation with Azerbaijan. "Its use will enable the transmission of electricity with a certain capacity and relatively small investments. Overall, the principle of cooperation presupposes mutually beneficial cooperation: if our Turkish partners have a need for electricity, Armenia will be ready to export its existing surplus." At the same time, if Armenia itself needs electricity, the country will be ready to consider importing it," the minister concluded.
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan advocated connecting Armenia's power grid with those of Azerbaijan and Turkey as part of the process of unblocking communications in the South Caucasus.
