Masdar in talks with government to expand projects in Azerbaijan

The UAE's Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is in preliminary discussions with the government to expand its projects in Azerbaijan, Abdulla Zayed, Head of Development and Investment, Central Asia and Russia, told Report.

Zayed said that Masdar is interested in implementing solar and wind energy projects:

"Back in 2018, the government awarded us only a solar project. So as Masdar, we only have a solar project, and that's what we've been developing. However, as Masdar, we see great potential in Azerbaijan, we want to do more things in Azerbaijan, and we are very keen to develop more solar projects, we are keen to develop more wind projects, we are keen to also explore our opportunities in hydrogen and to support the government in achieving the ambitious targets for renewable energy and offsetting carbon dioxides within the global climate change.

"As Masdar, we are standing and offering our support to the government in developing future projects. We are in initial discussions with them on how we can expand Masdar's footprint in Azerbaijan, we like the market, and we like the relationship with the government of Azerbaijan. So we want to do more, and it will be the government's decision if they allow us to do more in Azerbaijan.

"So we started our relationship and our development of this project back in 2018. And it is 230 megawatts solar PV projects located in the Alat region. The projects are already under construction. We've been working very closely with the government stakeholders here, the minister of energy, to develop these projects, and we've achieved great progress on this project, and as I've said, they are currently under construction.

"The construction period for Alat will be 18 months however, within 12 months, you will see almost the full plant completed, and if you go visit the site you will see it. But the target for the plant to be completed is 18 months, so we are now in June, so hopefully, by the end of next year, the plant will be completely operational."