2024-10-09 00:39:03
Azerbaijan’s current task is to expand the product line through “green” technologies and attract new investments for the development of such areas as the production of “green” ammonia and urea.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Trend, this was stated by the head of the hydrogen and green technologies department of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency Rena Gumbatova during a panel discussion on the topic “Addressing a Just Transition for the Oil and Gas Sector” as part of the third day of the international conference at Climate Action Week in Baku.
According to her, today, when the challenges of climate change and global warming are becoming increasingly urgent, it is important not only to think about the consequences, but also about a just transition to a new energy reality.
“In Azerbaijan, where the oil and gas industry traditionally occupies an important place, such a transition is of particular importance and requires a thoughtful approach. On the one hand, it is necessary to continue to develop the oil and gas sector, and on the other, to reduce its carbon footprint. In this context, two main directions open up to us to modernize the industry. The first direction is to reduce carbon emissions in the process of oil and gas production and processing. Here it is important to take into account both resource management and increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. To achieve these goals, strategic agreements and investment contracts have been concluded with key players. in the oil and gas market,” she emphasized.
As an example, Gumbatova cited a joint project with bp, within the framework of which it is planned to build a solar power plant with a capacity of 240 megawatts in the Jabrayil region.
“This project will offset carbon emissions from the Sangachal terminal and will be an important step towards decarbonization. But solving environmental problems requires not only technological changes, but also the training of highly qualified personnel with expert knowledge in the field of greenhouse gas emissions management and energy efficiency. In this regard, It is essential to involve specialists with international certifications such as ISO 14064, as well as experts in the field of biofuels and hydrogen energy. They must not only understand how to reduce energy consumption in the oil and gas industry, but also actively participate in the development of new solutions and technologies for green production. “products,” she noted.
Gumbatova mentioned that the second direction is the diversification of oil and gas companies and their transition to multi-energy corporations that are engaged not only in traditional types of energy, but also in the production of biofuels, hydrogen and clean electricity.
“Azerbaijan already has ethanol and urea plants, as well as enterprises for the production of polyethylene and ethylene. Today’s task is to expand the product line through green technologies and attract new investments for the development of such areas as the production of green ammonia and urea. In this process The agency acts as an important link between science and industry. We actively cooperate with universities and research institutes, enter into memorandums of understanding, implement joint educational programs, including with UK universities, and develop new training courses for vocational institutions,” she said. .
According to her, special attention is paid to training specialists in the field of hydrogen energy.
“This direction will be a key element of the new development strategy, which we will present at the upcoming COP29 summit. The main emphasis of this strategy will be on education and training, which will allow Azerbaijan not only to introduce advanced technologies, but also to take a leading position in the region on the path to sustainable development,” she added.