2024-04-15 09:03:27
Author: Elvin Sakhavatoglu
It is known that the air temperature on the planet increases to a certain extent every year. We feel this negative trend in our lives. Global warming is causing glaciers to melt, arable land to shrink and daytime temperatures to rise.
But what is the cause of warming?
One of the main reasons is atmospheric pollution with carbon dioxide emissions.
For example, countries with large economies and heavy industries play an important role in air pollution and therefore accelerating global warming.
Only a few countries in the world emit the majority of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. These are China, the USA, India, Russia and the European Union.
What’s the solution?
The first thesis about a way out of the situation was put forward in 1991 by British economist Michael Jacobs. According to him, the solution is a transition to “green energy” or “green economy”. He also presented the book “Green Economy: Environment, Sustainable Development and the Politics of the Future.”
The reasons that make the transition to “green energy” relevant are:
– the use of “green energy” helps reduce climate change and limit global warming;
– as a result of the development of the “green energy” industry, new jobs are created, which is one of the important factors of sustainable development;
– the use of “green energy” plays an important role in improving air quality;
– the transition to “green energy” stimulates the use of new approaches and technologies in this area;
– The use of “green energy” is also important for people’s health. According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million deaths worldwide each year are linked to air pollution.
As global warming increases every year, countries are accelerating this green transition.
Renewable energy is projected to provide 65 percent of global electricity production by 2030. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that by 2050, 90 percent of the world’s electricity could come from renewable or green energy sources.
By 2050, carbon dioxide emissions worldwide will be reduced by 70 percent, which will help prevent climate change. First of all, there will be a rapid increase in electricity production from wind and solar energy. It is reported that this will happen mainly in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. In order to prevent global climate change, it is planned to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to a minimum level after 2050. Hydrogen and synthetic fuels, direct electrification, biofuels will have a significant impact on innovative business models and structural changes in this area.
The role of Azerbaijan in the transition to green energy
Along with countries that pollute the world, there are also countries that want to prevent pollution of our planet. Azerbaijan ranks first among them. The favorable geographical location and climatic conditions of Azerbaijan create ample opportunities for the production of “green energy”. Great strides are being made in the production of renewable energy from wind, solar, mountain rivers, biomass and geothermal water sources.
There is already a strategy for the transition to “green energy” in Azerbaijan. In this regard, many important steps have been taken since 2020.
It should be especially emphasized that Azerbaijan has made great progress in the use of wind and solar energy.
A lot of work is being done to develop this industry in the territories liberated from occupation. Transportation of “green energy” to world markets is one of the main directions of the energy policy of the Azerbaijani state. Azerbaijan plans to reach a renewable energy production potential of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. In 2023, the largest solar power plant in the Caucasus and Central Asia region with a capacity of 230 megawatts was put into operation in Azerbaijan, and the construction of new such stations continues. Important work is underway towards the construction of a “green energy” electric cable that will stretch from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea and Europe.
“Green” potential of Azerbaijan
The technical potential of Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sources is 135 GW on land and 157 GW offshore. The economic potential of renewable energy sources is 27 GW, wind energy – 3000 MW, solar energy – 23000 MW, bioenergy potential – 380 MW, potential of mountain rivers – 520 MW.
In order to develop the renewable energy sector in Azerbaijan, projects are being implemented with the support of international financial organizations such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank.
“Masdar” from the United Arab Emirates, “ACWA Power” from Saudi Arabia, “BP” from the UK, “Fortescue Future Industries” from Australia, “TEPSCO” from Japan, “Maire Tecnimont” from Italy, “China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment” . Total France Energies and other foreign companies have signed agreements on the production of renewable energy in Azerbaijan, and corresponding measures are being implemented. Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, have been declared “green energy” zones. These territories have high potential.
In general, systematic work is being carried out at the senior management level in Azerbaijan to transition to “green energy”. This greatly contributes to achieving serious results. The holding of COP29, the most prestigious climate event in the world, in Azerbaijan is the result of our country’s systematic work in this area.
This article is funded by the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the direction of “Ecology and environmental protection”. prepared within the framework.