Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 21 /Trend /
Trend Analytical Center expert Leyla Abdullayeva
Azerbaijan is considered as being among the most profitable countries in terms of alternative energy development. The Azerbaijani State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy under the Industry and Energy Ministry plans to bring the share of alternative energy sources in total energy production to 20 percent by 2020, the Head of the agency Akim Badalov told media.
He said that at present, the share of alternative sources is at 10 percent, given the use of small hydropower stations in the country.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has very favorable natural conditions to develop renewable energy sources. First of all, there is a high potential for wind energy, especially on the Absheron peninsula. Wind speed ranges between 3 to 7 m / sec, year-round, which is considered ideal for efficient wind generators.
It is still more profitable to use solar energy. There are 260-280 sunny days in Azerbaijan per year. There are thermal waters in the country, especially in Guba. The water temperature sometimes reaches 90 degrees. Thermal waters are used in households for heat production.
The appropriate legal base must be created for alternative energy development in Azerbaijan.
According to international experience , alternative energy is developing only in countries with strong legislation and effective laws. A number of issues, including environmental and economic relations between the supplier and consumer, and others, must be legally stipulated. That is, a favorable sphere must be created for this sector.
The world has great demand for energy at present . Power consumption in China and India is roughly 20 percent of the total world level. Although the development of alternative and renewable energy sources requires significant time, it will meet most of the demands for clean energy in the future.
Renewable energy sources will help Azerbaijan reach a new stage in future development. Oil and gas reserves are not eternal, so the countries involved in oil and gas extraction must think seriously about their future prospects.
Of course, depletion of resources will not occur today or tomorrow. Therefore Azerbaijan, having good potential in the field of alternative energy, has enough time to develop this sector, including the introduction of new equipment.
The Experimental Landfill will be commissioned in Gobustan soon, with the first hybrid power plant in Azerbaijan to be placed there.
Wind power stations, solar modules and facilities producing electricity from biomass will work at a hybrid power plant in Gobustan.
Production capacity will reach 5.5 megawatts.
The construction of a new plant producing solar cells will be completed in Sumgait by late 2011.
The plant will also produce energy efficient LED-lamps.