Two regional electric power sharing arrangements are being discussed at the moment, both involving Georgia and Russia. The first model would link these two countries to Armenia and Iran, the second to Azerbaijan and Turkey.

At the end of November the Armenian parliament approved an agreement with Georgia and Iran and in December Baku expressed its interest in connecting a regional network, when Marlen Askerov, the vice president of Azerbaijan’s state electric company Azerenerji OJSC, invited Russia to join Georgia and Turkey in electricity sharing.

Russia’s interests in Armenia’s energy sector—a Russian company operates the Metsamor nuclear power station—was foreseen as a possible obstacle to cooperation with Azerbaijan. However, whereas Baku is yet to comment on the issue, Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsesian recently said Armenia would not oppose Russian cooperation with Azerbaijan.

“Every country has the right to cooperate with its neighbors on regional projects including those in the energy sphere,” he stated.