Azerbaijan, Baku, July 5 /Trend, A.Akhundov/
The polygon for the use of alternative energy in Gobustan region of Azerbaijan will be operational in 2011, chief of staff of the Ministry of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Rasim Mammadov told Trend.
"A hybrid site is being built in the Gobustan region. The facilities for the production of wind energy, solar panels will be established in the site, and it can also use biogas. It [the site] will to start operating in 2011," said Mammadov.
According to him, already two wind facilities have been installed in the site.
"Today, the regions of the country where facilities on alternative energy production will be installed are already known. Basically, these are the regions where water resources are available for the construction of small power plants," said Mammadov.
According to him, now the Ministry and the Slovenian company conduct work on construction of small hydropower plants over the Shinchay River in Sheki region.
"There is already an agreement on this issue, the feasibility study is now being prepared and then the exact time of commencement of construction will be determined. The feasibility study can be ready later this year and construction can begin next year," said Mammadov.
He said Azerbaijan prepares a bill on alternative energy resources.
Some 25 million manat was allocated to the Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources Agency operating under the Azerbaijani Industry and Energy Ministry with a view to develop alternative energy sources, Mammadov said earlier.
"The Agency received 25 million manat, of which about 18 million have already been used. The volume of fund allocated to the Agnecy will be increased in the future," Mammadov said.
Mammadov said the share of alternative energy in Azerbaijan's total power generation may reach 1.5-2 percent within five years.