The first hydroelectric power station was built in Azerbaijan in 1983 and the first 29 km railroad was built in Gadabay in 1879. Copper ore beds were found out in the territory of Gadabay region in the mid XIX century and a copper-smelting plant was built by the local entrepreneurs in 1855-1856 years. Later on that plant was procured by the German company “Siemens” and rebuilt in 1865. Galakand copper-smelting plant was built by the company “Siemens” in 1883, a railroad with the length of 28 km was first built between Gadabay-Galakand in the Caucausus in 1879. 4 locomotives, 33 wagons have moved on this railroad. The bridges built with regard to this railroad are remaining as historical monuments nowadays. The first hydroelectric power station in the territory of Tsar Russia was built in Galakand village in 1883, copper was melt with electrolysis method in Galakand copper-smelting plant. Electric light was used in Gadabay at that time, whereas kerosene lamps were used in the central cities of Europe, such as London, Paris, St. Petersburg.

The hydroelectric power station that was first built in Gadabay in the Caucasus, was supplying the area of the plant and mine, the workshops and buildings with electric energy.

http://azerbaijan.lux.az/gedebey.html

http://www.gadabaymks-az.webs.com/rayon.htm