The opening of the "Minkend" HPP took place, the foundation of an enterprise within the "Textile Cluster" was laid - PHOTO

On September 26, at the Baku Congress Center, with the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, an online ceremony was held for the laying of the foundation of a production facility at the Mingachevir Industrial Park under the "Textile Cluster" project of Textile Horizon LLC.

As reported by AZERTAC, President Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of "Azershekar" LLC Nasib Islamzade, and Chairman of Global Textile Group Muzaffar Razakov pressed the button symbolizing the laying of the foundation of the enterprise in an online format.

It should be noted that the founders of Textile Horizon LLC, which received the status of a resident of the Mingachevir Industrial Park last year, are "Azershekar" LLC, Global Textile LLC, and the Azerbaijani-Uzbek Investment Fund. The project envisages a full production cycle — from growing cotton to producing cotton fiber, yarn, fabric, and finished textile products. The enterprise will benefit from all tax and customs privileges granted to residents of the Mingachevir Industrial Park. The enterprise, covering an area of 11.2 hectares, plans to produce 16,000 tons of cotton fiber, 11,000 tons of yarn, 7,300 tons of dyed fabric, and 11 million shirts per year. In addition to supplies to the domestic market, export of products is also planned.

Also on September 26, at the Baku Congress Center, with the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the online opening ceremony of the "Minkend" small hydroelectric power station (HPP) in the Lachin district was held.

President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Turkish company Demirören Holding Yildirim Demirören pressed the button symbolizing the opening of the station in an online format.

It should be noted that under the leadership of the head of our state, large-scale measures are being implemented to realize the green energy potential in the territories liberated from occupation. In this regard, the project for the restoration, construction, and long-term operation of small hydroelectric power stations in Kalbajar and Lachin is of particular importance. The installed capacity of the "Minkend" small HPP, which is part of this project, is 3.2 MW, and the expected annual electricity generation is 11.8 million kWh. The station was built based on Austrian and Italian technologies.

The project, which includes the restoration, construction, and long-term operation of small hydroelectric power stations in Kalbajar and Lachin, is being implemented within the framework of the 1st State Program "Great Return," based on the principle of public-private partnership. Its total cost amounts to 53.2 million manats. The project includes the "Minkend," "Galaja-1," "Galaja-2," "Malybey," and "Tartar-1" small HPPs. The launch of the other stations is expected by the end of 2026. Their operational lifespan is 30 years. The total investment capacity of the project is 12.9 MW, and the expected annual electricity generation is 44.1 million kWh. The project benefits from the privileges and exemptions provided for the territories liberated from occupation; in addition, a preferential loan has been provided by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy.

In Green Karabakh Energy LLC, operating within the framework of the project, equity shares are held by Demirören Holding and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund.