On August 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the "Qərbi Üfüq" (West Horizon) Solar Power Plant Project in Nakhchivan.

The project is being implemented by Enerso, Nobel Energy’s renewable energy subsidiary.

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Nobel Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Ramal Guliyev, briefed the President and First Lady on the 25 MW solar power plant.

With a total investment of AZN 32 million, the project is a key initiative supporting the development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as a Green Energy Zone and contributing to Azerbaijan’s green energy strategy.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate approximately 61 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, preventing around 26,000 tons of carbon emissions and saving approximately 12 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

The project will contribute to strengthening Nakhchivan’s energy security, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and developing modern energy infrastructure in the region.

Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, the project is expected to provide employment for more than 250 people during the construction phase, while 35 permanent jobs are planned following commissioning.

The "Qərbi Üfüq" Solar Power Plant Project is a significant milestone in Azerbaijan's efforts to diversify its energy mix, expand renewable energy generation, and advance its sustainable development objectives.

Wood Nobel Energy has been awarded the front-end engineering design (FEED) contract for the Nakhchivan Combined Cycle Thermal Power Plant in Azerbaijan, supporting a key project that will strengthen power generation and export in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Selected by SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations, the FEED will define the technical design and execution approach, forming the basis for the subsequent engineering, procurement and construction stage.

Using a more efficient configuration than conventional power plants, the Nakhchivan Thermal Power plant will capture and reuse waste heat that would otherwise be lost. The plant is also being designed with future expansion in mind.

The project is being developed under Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 418 dated 23 December 2024 "On measures related to the construction of a new thermal power plant in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic", which sets out plans for a new thermal power plant to increase electricity generation and export capacity in Nakhchivan. 

Wood Nobel Energy brings together Wood’s global engineering, power and energy infrastructure expertise with Nobel Energy’s local knowledge, workforce and supply chain capability in Azerbaijan.  The joint venture delivers high quality engineering in-country, while drawing on global technical standards and specialist expertise where required. 

The plant will be located on a site that benefits from existing and future infrastructure helping to reduce complexity and support efficient delivery.

Orkhan Ismayilov, Director of Wood Azerbaijan, said: “This project is an important addition to our growing portfolio in Azerbaijan and reflects the value of combining global engineering capability with strong local delivery. Through Wood Nobel Energy, we are well placed to support the development of nationally critical infrastructure that strengthens energy security and supports long-term growth in the region.”

As the project moves into the design phase, Wood Nobel Energy will focus on developing a solution that is technically robust, efficient to operate and aligned with the region and client’s long-term objectives for reliable power generation in Nakhchivan.

Nobel Energy and UNG Overseas, the international platform of Uzbekneftegaz, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic cooperation opportunities and the potential establishment of a joint venture in Uzbekistan.

The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration in the oil and gas, power and energy, and water infrastructure sectors, combining the strengths of both organizations to deliver integrated technical and management services in the region.

Under the proposed partnership, the parties will assess opportunities to establish a joint venture that would provide a broad range of services, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), operations and maintenance, asset integrity management, drilling support, supply chain management, and personnel training and competency development.

The collaboration brings together UNG Overseas' market access, local expertise, and strong relationships within Uzbekistan's energy sector with Nobel Energy's international experience and technical capabilities across engineering, EPC, operations and maintenance, supply chain management, and renewable energy solutions.

Vugar Samadli, Chief Executive Officer of Nobel Energy, commented: "This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step in expanding Nobel Energy's presence in Central Asia. By combining our technical expertise and international experience with the local market knowledge and capabilities of UNG Overseas, we aim to create long-term value for customers and contribute to the sustainable development of Uzbekistan's energy sector."

As part of the next phase of cooperation, the parties will evaluate potential opportunities and work together to define priority areas for future collaboration in Uzbekistan.