Azerbaijan is advancing a major infrastructure upgrade with the construction of the Navai substation, designed to support the integration of 2 GW of renewable energy into the national grid. According to AzerEnergy, the project aims to reinforce the country’s power transmission capabilities as it pivots toward a greener energy future.

The 500/330 kilovolt Navai substation, one of the largest in the country, is being built in two phases. The first phase, financed by AzerEnergy and partially by the state budget, includes the development of the 330 kV section and the installation of transmission lines connecting to the Banka and Bilasuvar solar power plants. Construction began in September 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The second phase, funded by the World Bank, will see the completion of the substation’s 500 kV section, along with the installation of transformers and new 500 kV and 330 kV lines to Mingachevir, Alat, Absheron, and Gobu. This phase is projected to be completed within three years.

The project represents a significant leap in Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernize its power infrastructure and integrate renewable sources into the grid safely and efficiently.