BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. Today's task of Azerbaijan is to expand the product line due to “green” technologies and attract new investments for the development of such areas as the production of “green” ammonia and urea, head of hydrogen and green technologies direction of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency Rana Humbatova said, Trend reports.
She made the remark at a panel discussion on “Meeting the Just Transition Challenge for the Oil and Gas Sector” within the framework of the third day of the international conference at the Climate Action Week in Baku.
According to her, today, as the clock ticks on the challenges of climate change and global warming, it's crucial to not just chew the fat about the consequences but also to pave the way for a fair transition to a new energy landscape.
“Azerbaijan, where the oil and gas industry has traditionally occupied an important place, such a transition is of particular importance and requires a thoughtful approach. On the one hand, it is necessary to continue to develop the oil and gas sector and, on the other hand, to reduce its carbon footprint. In this context, two main directions for modernizing the sector are open to us. The first is to reduce carbon emissions from oil and gas production and refining. Here it is important to consider resource management, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources. Strategic agreements and investment contracts have been signed with key players in the oil and gas market to implement these tasks,” she emphasized.
As an example, Humbatova cited a joint project with bp to build a 240-megawatt solar power plant in the Jabrayil region.
“This project will offset carbon emissions from the Sangachal terminal and will be an important step towards decarbonization. However, solving environmental problems requires not only technological changes but also the training of highly qualified personnel with expertise in greenhouse gas emission management and energy efficiency. In this regard, it is crucial to attract specialists with international certification, such as ISO 14064, as well as experts in biofuels and hydrogen energy. They should not only understand how to reduce energy consumption in the oil and gas industry but also actively participate in the development of new solutions and technologies for the production of “green” products,” she noted.
She mentioned that the second direction is the broadening of oil and gas companies, as they shift gears into multi-energy corporations. These companies are not just sticking to their guns with traditional energy sources; they are also diving into the deep end with biofuels, hydrogen, and clean electricity.
“Azerbaijan already has ethanol and urea plants, as well as polyethylene and ethylene production facilities. Today's task is to expand the product line through “green” technologies and attract new investments to develop such areas as green ammonia and urea production. In this process, the agency acts as an important link between science and industry. We are actively cooperating with universities and research institutes, concluding memoranda of understanding, implementing joint educational programs, including with UK universities, and developing new training courses for vocational institutions,” she stated.
She noted that special attention is paid to the training of specialists in the field of hydrogen energy.
“This direction will be a key element of the new development strategy that we will present at the upcoming COP29 summit. The main emphasis of this strategy will be placed on education and training, which will allow Azerbaijan not only to introduce advanced technologies but also to take a leading position in the region on the way to sustainable development,” she added.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel