Mingachevir, June 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the city of Mingachevir on Tuesday, where he first paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev by laying flowers at his monument located within the premises of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant.
Following the commemoration, President Aliyev met with foreign and domestic guests attending the official inauguration ceremony of the “8 November” Power Plant. During his interactions, the President underscored the strategic significance of the new facility, praising the involvement of Italian and Chinese companies in its timely and successful construction. He noted that the project, executed within a record timeframe, reflects the professionalism and experience of Azerbaijani energy specialists as well as the strength of international cooperation.
The event continued with the formal inauguration of the “8 November” Power Plant, during which President Aliyev delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of the project for Azerbaijan’s energy sector and national development.
In his speech, the President described the inauguration as a historic milestone, marking a significant enhancement of the country’s energy capacity. With a generation capacity of 1,880 megawatts, the “8 November” Power Plant is now the largest of its kind in Azerbaijan and a key asset in the South Caucasus. President Aliyev emphasized that more than 40 percent of Azerbaijan’s electricity is generated in Mingachevir, solidifying its status as the nation’s energy hub.
Reflecting on the region’s legacy, President Aliyev recalled the pivotal role played by National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the 1970s, particularly in laying the foundation of the “Azerbaijan” Thermal Power Plant in 1974. He stressed that the infrastructure initiated during that era laid the groundwork for the country’s modern energy network, even during periods of hardship following independence.
Highlighting progress made over the past two decades, the President detailed significant investments and reconstruction efforts in the national energy system. He referenced past disruptions, including a major power outage in Mingachevir, which spurred substantial reforms and upgrades to the energy infrastructure.
The head of state praised the rapid implementation of the “8 November” project, noting that constructing such a high-capacity plant in just two years represents a remarkable achievement. He attributed the success to the synergy between Azerbaijani expertise and international partners, particularly Italy and China—both strategic allies with whom Azerbaijan shares deepening political and economic ties.
President Aliyev also addressed the broader implications of the project, noting that its efficient energy output and reduced fuel consumption will allow for increased natural gas exports. He emphasized the importance of energy security amid global instability and reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening European energy security. With Azerbaijani gas now reaching 12 countries, including 10 in Europe, the President affirmed the country’s role as a reliable and vital energy partner on the global stage.
The speech further touched on Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in renewable energy. With signed agreements and ongoing projects set to deliver 6,500 megawatts of green energy by 2030, President Aliyev noted that these efforts would not only boost domestic energy supplies but also significantly enhance natural gas export potential.
Referring to the Second Karabakh War, President Aliyev recalled attempts by Armenia to target Mingachevir’s vital infrastructure and reaffirmed the strategic and symbolic importance of the new plant. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s pursuit of peace and its reputation as a nation of stability, progress, and strength.
President Aliyev concluded his address by explaining the significance of naming the facility “8 November” — a tribute to the date of Azerbaijan’s historic victory in the Second Karabakh War. He expressed confidence that the power plant would serve the nation effectively for generations to come and once again congratulated all those involved in its realization.
The inauguration of the “8 November” Power Plant marks a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s energy narrative, showcasing national resilience, technical excellence, and a forward-looking strategy rooted in strong partnerships and comprehensive planning.
