BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 18. Iran has begun importing electricity from Turkmenistan in an effort to mitigate ongoing electricity shortages, said Abbas Aliabadi, Iran's Minister of Energy, to reporters following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on December 18, Trend reports.
Aliabadi explained that he had recently visited Turkmenistan twice, where a bilateral agreement was signed to facilitate electricity imports from Turkmenistan.
Under the terms of the agreement, the maximum possible amount of electricity will be imported from Turkmenistan until the summer season.
However, Aliabadi clarified that the current imports do not meet Iran's total energy needs, as the country faces high electricity demand. Due to fuel shortages, several thermal power plants in Iran have been forced to suspend operations. The Iranian Ministry of Petroleum is working to secure fuel supplies for these plants.
At present, the electricity exchange capacity between Iran and Turkmenistan stands at 500 megawatt hours. Iranian officials have also announced plans to construct a third electricity line connecting the city of Sarakhs in Iran with Mary in Turkmenistan. This new line, which will stretch for 155 kilometers, is expected to be completed in two years and will increase the potential electricity exchange capacity to 1,000 megawatt hours.
At present, the electricity exchange capacity between Iran and Turkmenistan stands at 500 megawatt hours. Iranian officials have also announced plans to construct a third electricity line connecting Sarakhs county in Iran with Mary city in Turkmenistan. This new line, which will stretch for 155 kilometers, is expected to be completed in two years and will increase the potential electricity exchange capacity to 1,000 megawatt hours.
The recent cold weather in Iran has led to a sharp increase in energy consumption, with several provinces experiencing disruptions. As a result, government offices, schools, and universities have been closed in many regions for several days.