| Meghri Dam | |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Country | Armenia Iran |
| Location | Meghri |
| Coordinates | |
| Status | Proposed |
| Opening date | 2016 (expected) |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Aras River |
| Power station | |
| Turbines | 4 x 65 MW |
| Maximum capacity | 260 MW |
The Meghri Dam (also known as the Aras Dam or Aras Watershed Dam) is a planned hydroelectric dam on the Aras River near Armenia's southern town of Meghri on the Armenia–Iran border.
The joint Iranian–Armenia project was proposed in 1990s and was discussed between Iranian and Armenian authorities.[1][2] Intergovernmental agreements between Armenia and Iran were signed in 2007 and 2008. On 14 April 2009, energy ministries of Armenia and Iran signed a memorandum on financing construction of the Meghri power station of Armenian side.[3] The dam and power stations construction contract was signed on 16 October 2010 with Farab Sepasad Company.[3][4]
The complex will consists of two 130 MW hydroelectric power stations — Ghare Chiler (also transcribed Gharachilar or Karachinar) on the Iranian side and Meghri on Armenia side.[5][6] Due to the sufficient difference in elevation and the presence of Aras Dam on the upstream, the power stations will be run-of-river type. Both power stations will have two turbines with a capacity of 65 MW each.[7]
The basic studies were carried out by Arm-Hydroenergo-Project Company and Mahab-E-Qods Consulting Engineers Company in 1999.[1] The Meghri station will be operated by Iran for 15 years after which it will be returned to Armenia free of charge.[8]
The project is expected to cost US$400 million.[9]