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Shimal Power Station
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energy
The Shimal Power Station (North Power Plant), located in the Shuvelan settlement near Baku, is one of Azerbaijan's most modern and efficient energy production facilities. The plant utilizes high-efficiency Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology, which achieves significantly higher performance compared to conventional thermal power stations. Shimal was developed in two major phases: Shimal-1 and the subsequently completed Shimal-2, which together provide a substantial output for the national power grid. The project was realized with significant international cooperation, particularly benefiting from Japanese loans and advanced technology. By using natural gas as its primary energy source and employing state-of-the-art combustion systems, the facility minimizes its environmental footprint. The station is strategically crucial for meeting the high energy demands of the Baku capital region and the industrial zones on the Absheron Peninsula. The plant's cooling system utilizes water from the Caspian Sea, allowing for efficient thermal management. Shimal serves as a model for the modernization of Azerbaijan's energy sector toward more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.
- Location: Azerbaijan
- Top sights: Yaradıcılıq Mərkəzi · Mədəniyyət Evi · Şəvəlan Mayakı 1913
- Nearby: Buzovna (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 17 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 22 | 25 | 17 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Shimal Power Station functions as a modern combined cycle gas turbine facility, strategically vital for meeting the growing electricity demands of the Baku region in Azerbaijan. It represents a significant step in modernizing the national energy infrastructure and supporting regional economic growth.
Visiting
Being a critical piece of national power infrastructure, the internal generation halls and operational control centers are generally strictly off-limits to the general public. Those interested in the facility typically have to appreciate the modern industrial architecture from outside the security perimeter.
Where to view it
The towering structures and exhaust stacks of this gas turbine plant can usually be seen from nearby public thoroughfares along the Absheron Peninsula. Passing vehicles on the regional highways offer the most practical vantage points to observe the scale of the energy complex.
Local products
Direct consumer goods are not produced at the station, but the surrounding communities near Baku often host local markets selling everyday Azerbaijani goods. Travelers passing through might encounter roadside stalls offering typical regional agricultural products and snacks.
Active season
As a base-load power provider for a major metropolitan area, the plant operates continuously every day of the year without any seasonal interruptions. While the industrial activity is constant, visiting the broader coastal region is generally most pleasant during the warm and dry summer months.
Nearby
Sighting this modern power facility can easily be incorporated into a road trip exploring the diverse landscapes and industrial history of the Absheron Peninsula. Visitors often combine a drive past the station with excursions to the nearby burning mountain of Yanar Dag or the beaches of the Caspian Sea.
Geography
Facts
- Shimal-1 was officially commissioned in the year 2002.
- The second phase, Shimal-2, was completed in September 2019.
- The combined output of both units is approximately 800 MW.
- The technology and financing were partially provided by Japan.
- The efficiency of the combined cycle plant is over 50 percent.
- Cooling is achieved by sourcing water from the Caspian Sea.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Shimal Power Station (13)
Arif Aziz Art House🏛 museum
Gallery showcasing works by renowned Azerbaijani artist Arif Aziz.
🌐 arifazizbeyaz.com🕒 24/7
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kraftwerk Şimal accessible to tourists?
No, it is an active industrial site without visitor facilities.
Why is Kraftwerk Şimal important?
It plays a crucial role in the power supply of the Baku region.
Can one photograph the power station from the outside?
Photography of strategic industrial facilities is often prohibited.
What type of energy does Şimal produce?
The plant uses natural gas for efficient electricity generation.
What is near the power station?
It is located near the coast, north of Baku city center.
Shimal Power Station: where is it located?
Shimal Power Station is located in Azerbaijan.
Shimal Power Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yaradıcılıq Mərkəzi, Mədəniyyət Evi, Şəvəlan Mayakı 1913.
Shimal Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Shimal Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Shimal Power Station (North Power Plant), located in the Shuvelan settlement near Baku, is one of Azerbaijan's most modern and efficient energy production facilities.
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