Prospects for Alternative Energy

The State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan has prepared a strategic plan for the development of renewable energy, according to which by 2020 the country will build solar power plants with a total capacity of 2,065 thousand MW and wind turbine parks with a total capacity of 1,512.5 MW.

As the deputy head of the agency Jamil Melikov said in an interview with CISSOLAR, the basis for the implementation of projects in the field of renewable energy has been created, including the laws "On Energy", "On Power", "On the use of energy resources" and "On power stations."

"In this case, the national legislation is at the stage of formation. This year it is expected to adopt new legislation. First of all, we plan to adopt a law "On the green tariff", which is expected to be approximately $ 17 per 1 kW / h for solar power plants."

According to him, wind power electricity in Azerbaijan is sold to the grid at the rate of about $ 4.3 per 1 kW / h, and that from bio and hydro power plants - at $ 3.9 per 1 kW / h. In addition, the stations are able to sell electricity to customers under direct contracts - at $ 5.7 per 1 kW / h.

"The development of renewable energy in Azerbaijan will reduce the use of gas in the domestic market and increase its export volumes. Also, due to the distribution of generation capacity across the country and their setting next to the end-users of energy, we will significantly reduce the cost of upgrading networks and electricity losses during transportation," concluded the official. --17D-