Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan.18 / Trend E.Ismayilov /
In 2012, Azerenergy (production and distribution of electricity in Azerbaijan) will be able to commission six small hydropower plants in Azerbaijan within development of alternative and renewable energy, company's Vice President Marlen Asgarov told Trend on Wednesday.
According to Asgarov, in short term it is planned to construct ten small hydropower plants, of which the construction of six ones is underway.
"This year it is planned to commission four small hydropower plants, but still it depends on progress of work," Asgarov noted. "Two plants under construction are likely to come on stream till the end of 2012."
The rest four small hydropower plants will be constructed in coming years, he said
Earlier Azerenergy investment department Head Rafael Abbasov said Azerbaijan would build 36 small hydropower plants in different regions of the country.
Azerenergy's overall plan suggests building 280 small hydropower plants.
Abbasov said the construction of small hydropower stations will reduce funds for electricity supply and ensure the development of Azerbaijani regions. Constructing small hydropower plants is part of actions to develop alternative and renewable energy sources in the country.
Azerenergy is currently among the top 50 power generating companies in Europe due to its power generation capacity. Azerenergy is also among the top five companies in terms of the fuel volume used to produce one kilowatt-hour of electricity.