Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia talk about a single power grid

In recent days, discussions surrounding the establishment of a unified power grid involving Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia have once again come to the forefront.

Iran's Energy Minister, Ali Akbar Mehrabian, addressed reporters on November 20, underscoring Azerbaijan's strategic importance as a favorable route for both countries in the context of creating a unified electricity network with Russia. Mehrabian revealed that studies had been conducted to link the power grid between Iran and Russia through three potential routes, including Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. He emphasized that Azerbaijan emerged as a feasible and easily implementable route, requiring minimal network development. Notably, positive agreements were reached between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation in this regard. Mehrabian expressed optimism that electricity exchange between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan would commence within the next six months.

The idea of establishing a single electric network between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia has been on the table since 2016, with specific meetings held to explore the concept. However, the issue lost momentum during a period of strained relations between Azerbaijan and Iran. The recent revival of discussions indicates renewed interest and a more conducive environment for cooperation.

Elman Nasirov, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations,stressed in an interview with Turan that the pursuit of a unified electric network among the three countries serves the interests of all parties involved, without adverse effects on any third party. He emphasized that this is not a new concept but had faced challenges in the past due to geopolitical circumstances and tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan. Nasirov suggested that recent developments, including Armenia's impediments to the "Zangazur Corridor" (a route connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan through the Syunik region of Armenia), have led Azerbaijan to consider alternative options involving Iran.

Nasirov mentioned preliminary agreements between Azerbaijan and Iran regarding the potential use of Iranian territory for the "Zangazur Corridor," and he suggested that any concerns from Western countries are their own issue.

Political commentator Nasimi Mammadli in an interview with Radio Azadlig, noted that the evolving dynamics among Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran are influenced by wider geopolitical processes, such as the Russia-Ukraine relationship and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Mammadli also highlighted that, following Azerbaijan's resolution of the Karabakh issue, there has been a degree of misunderstanding with Western countries, which has provided an opportunity for Russia and Iran to deepen their engagement with Azerbaijan. He suggested that projects like the unified power grid could be part of broader efforts to increase tension between the West and Azerbaijan.