AREA: Azerbaijan marks first in green energy by laying foundations of 1,000 MW plants

Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale projects thanks to its rich renewable energy potential, and laying the foundations of 1,000 MW renewable energy plants is a first in green energy in the country, Javid Babayev, Senior Advisor of the Strategic Analysis and Forecasting Department of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA) under the Energy Ministry, told Report.

Babayev noted that on June 4, within the framework of cooperation with the UAE’s Masdar, the foundations of the 445 MW Bilasuvar, 315 MW Neftchala solar power plants, and the 240 MW Absheron-Garadagh Wind Power Plant were laid:

"As much as 2.305 billion kWh of electricity is expected to be generated annually thanks to these projects, founded during the Baku Energy Week, which will allow saving 496 million cubic meters of natural gas. Also, the prevention of carbon emissions of about 1 million tons and the creation of new jobs are the ecological and social contributions of these power plants.”

He further stated that the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, the 240 MW Shafag Solar Power Plant in Jabrayil district, as well as the 100 MW Gobustan Solar Power Plant, which will be built as a result of the first renewable energy auction, are projects included in Azerbaijan's green energy agenda and implemented within the framework of public-private partnership.

Within the framework of the Baku Energy Week, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and the Masdar company signed Shareholders' Agreements on three renewable energy projects.

The agreements cover the construction of one wind and two solar power plants in Azerbaijan.

Laying the foundations of three power plants with a total capacity of 1 GW is a bright indicator of Azerbaijan's commitment to the energy transition for a green world as the host of COP29.