<img src="https://img.day.az/2024/10/19/800×550/res.png" class="article-image" alt="Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur in focus “зеленого” перехода Азербайджана”/>
Author: Nazrin Abdul,
Azernews
Azerbaijan is making significant strides in its transition to a green energy strategy, demonstrating a deep understanding of global trends and a proactive approach to international challenges. As the world grapples with climate change, Azerbaijan is set to host the UN COP29 event in November, which aims to address pressing human challenges through innovative initiatives. This commitment underscores the country’s leadership in promoting sustainable development and addressing global environmental challenges.
Currently, the potential of renewable energy sources in the Republic is significant. This potential allows the use of renewable energy alongside traditional energy sources.
The liberated lands of Azerbaijan – Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur – were declared a green zone by decree of the President of Azerbaijan. New hydroelectric power stations are being built on these lands. The process of creating hydroelectric power plants that will produce green energy from rivers, including springs and meltwater of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range, originating in Azerbaijan, is steadily moving forward.
It should be emphasized that the small hydroelectric power station “Zar” with a capacity of 4.3 megawatts and “Toganaly” with a capacity of 4.1 megawatts were built by Azerenerji OJSC in just one year in the Goygol region.
In addition, in an article published in the Azerbaijan newspaper, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov, touched upon the topic of energy security and the transition to green energy. He discussed restoration work in the territories liberated from occupation and the use of renewable energy sources in these territories.
The minister said that the electricity demand in these regions is fully met through green energy.
“Hydroelectric power plants in Karabakh and East Zangezur, which have high hydropower potential, are the main source of clean energy in the region. The electricity demand in these areas is 100 percent met by green energy, and surplus energy is supplied to the national power grid. They have been put into operation today 32 hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 270 MW, which annually generate more than 600 million kWh of green energy, save more than 160 million cubic meters of natural gas and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 330 thousand tons.”
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The Energy Minister also announced plans to build 28 additional hydroelectric power plants.
“The action plan for the implementation of the National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources for 2024-2027, approved by Presidential Decree of October 10, 2024, includes the construction of another 28 hydroelectric power stations in these regions, among which six small hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity are currently being built 37.5 MW.”
Parviz Shahbazov further spoke about attracting investments to the liberated lands.
“The Turkish company “Demirören Yatırım Holding A.Ş.” is participating in the restoration and commissioning of five small hydroelectric power plants located on the Hekari and Tartar rivers in Kelbajar and Lachin, with the aim of attracting private investment in the restoration of the KSES. Arges Enerji Team LLC and Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC signed a contract, and the foundation of one of the small hydroelectric power plants was laid in Lachin, work is underway on the rest of the Khudaferin and Giz Galasy hydroelectric power stations, opened in May of this year, as well as hydroelectric power stations with a capacity of 140 MW, which should be available. put into operation in the near future, are crucial for the development of East Zangezur as a green energy zone.”
The Minister also noted that measures for 2022-2026 related to the creation of a green energy zone go beyond the development of renewable energy sources; they also cover activities on all aspects of the energy transition.
“As part of this program, Archimedes installations with a total capacity of 636 kW, solar energy systems with a total capacity of more than 2000 kW were installed in more than 300 private homes, public and social buildings, as well as solar powered, energy efficient lamp posts, smart parking and charging stations These initiatives are ongoing and we are fully committed to the widespread application of this innovative approach to transform our liberated territories into a model region for energy efficiency. Establishing Karabakh and East Zangezur as a zero-emission green energy zone is an important step towards our goal of reducing emissions. carbon by 40% by 2050.”
Azerbaijan is actively adopting a green energy strategy, as evidenced by its significant investments in renewable resources and ambitious projects in the liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. By focusing on hydropower and sustainable practices, the country aims to not only meet the energy needs of these areas, but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. As Azerbaijan prepares to host the UN COP29 event, its commitment to a net-zero emissions zone underscores its leadership in the transition to a sustainable future. Thanks to ongoing initiatives and international cooperation, Azerbaijan is poised to become a model for green energy development in the region.
The original article can be found at the link.