BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 10
By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:
Azerbaijan is rediscovering the Caspian Sea as a source of renewable energy, Trend quoted Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister Elnur Soltanov as saying.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, Soltanov noted that Azerbaijan is working with IFC and bp in this regard.
“Our initial calculations show that the Caspian Sea holds huge potential of offshore wind energy. Right now, in the Azerbaijani sector alone we calculate to have 157,000 megawatts of energy. This is 20 times more than the total installed capacity in Azerbaijan. We have plenty opportunities to export that energy either as electricity or as green hydrogen,” noted the deputy minister.
He went on to add that liberation of Azerbaijani lands from Armenian occupation has created ample opportunities for cooperation in the region, in the energy field as well.
“We are looking forward to turn Karabakh into a green energy zone. This basically means reliance on renewable energy and efficient technologies. Karabakh has huge potential in terms of wind energy and hydro energy and we are looking forward for investors, for private investors. Azerbaijani government’s budget money will be used minimally and we are creating all the conditions available for private investments and public-private partnership,” said Soltanov.
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