The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is set to unveil the results of its groundbreaking work in geothermal energy development during COP29, Afgan Isayev, SOCAR's Vice President, said during panel discussions held as part of the Baku Climate Action Week on September 30, Report informs.
Isayev emphasized SOCAR's collaboration with Lightsource BP, a subsidiary of BP specializing in green energy, to construct a 240 MW solar power plant.
On September 21, 2023, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company signed a Connection Agreement for the Shafag solar power plant project in the Jabrayil district (East Zangazur economic region). On June 3, Azerbaijan’s Energy Ministry and BP signed a contract for project evaluation and execution. The investment in the project is estimated at $200 million.
The Shafag solar power plant’s (SPP) construction will provide electricity to the Sangachal terminal, allowing the gas currently used for power generation to be redirected for export to Europe. The plant is projected to generate 500 million kWh of electricity annually.
BP hopes to sign the final investment decision with the Azerbaijani government for this project in 2024. The SPP will be built 6 km south of Jabrayil city, near Hajili settlement, covering an area of 802 hectares. It will have a generation capacity of 240 MW, with a peak capacity of 288 MW.
The project encompasses design, equipment procurement, construction, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation of the photovoltaic solar power plant.
Lightsource BP will be responsible for the construction, commissioning, and operation of the plant.
The construction of a 33/330 kV substation is also planned within the project.
The SPP construction will take place from October 2024 to November 2025, with commissioning and adjustment tests starting in November 2025. Commercial operation of the plant is scheduled to begin in December 2025.