Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 31 / Trend, E. Ismayilov /
On rivers suitable for hydropower generation, five billion kilowatt / hours can be provided through small hydropower plants, a source in the State Company for Alternative and Renewable Energy told Trend on Thursday.
As the source said, it was ascertained that the hydropower potential of rivers in Azerbaijan is 40 billion kilowatt / hours, and feasible potential is 16 billion kilowatt / hours.
"The construction of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) plays an important role in addressing issues such as flood control, the creation of clean electricity production and the construction of new irrigation systems," the source said.
He said construction of 60 small hydropower plants is reasonable for the near future. These HPPs can be placed along irrigation canals, rivers with unregulated flow and those near water reservoirs.
The use of small HPPs for the provision of electricity to facilities, communities located far from power transmission lines (PTL) and substations of unified energy system may result in the resolution of other social problems, along with power supply issues, the source believes.
The construction of small HPPs is a green energy growth area in Azerbaijan as it reduces dependence on fuel for power generation, as well as engages the hydropower potential of the country.