Azerbaijan plans to create special zones for alternative energy production
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11
By Sara Israfilbayova – Trend:
Special zones for the production of alternative energy will be created in Azerbaijan, Alasgar Hasanov, director of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Ecology of the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, told Trend.
In the future, it is planned to build infrastructure for the zones and prepare the zones for energy production, which will attract investors' attention.
Hasanov further stated that an increase in the share of renewables in Azerbaijan is expected in the next 10 years, adding that Azerbaijan is a country with high renewable energy potential.
"Thus, the potential of alternative energy in Azerbaijan is 26,940 megawatts, including 3,000 megawatts of wind energy, 23,040 megawatts of solar energy, 380 megawatts of bioenergy, as well as 520 megawatts when accounting the energy generated by mountain rivers," Hasanov said.
He noted that the decisions made for the efficient use of the renewable energy potential of the country, along with the implemented projects, have made it possible to succeed in increasing energy generation thanks to the renewables.
The launch of renewable energy power plants has led to a new stage in the development of the energy sector, Hasanov said.
According to Hasanov, these power plants, including a 22-megawatt solar power plant operating in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as a wind power farm commissioned by Azerishig in 2018, play an important role in securing the electricity supply and providing the economy and population of the country with electricity.
At the same time, he noted, the use of renewables allows for the economical use of natural gas and other resources for the production of electricity.
Consistent steps are being currently taken in Azerbaijan for the development of alternative energy. To this end, negotiations are being held with foreign companies and investors, including companies from China, the UAE, the US and the EU.
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