(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nazrin Abdul
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In recent years, Azerbaijan has increasingly focused on
diversifying its Economy and promoting sustainable development. The
country has invested in renewable energy projects, such as wind and
solar power, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate
environmental impacts.
In a significant milestone for Azerbaijan's renewable energy
journey, the President of Azerbaijan spearheaded the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Masdar 1GW Solar and Wind Projects. This pivotal
event, held in conjunction with the commencement of Baku Energy
Week and in the presence of COP28 President, marks a momentous step
towards the nation's sustainable energy goals.
Developed through a strategic partnership with SOCAR, the
projects boast a combined capacity of 1 gigawatt, comprising both
solar and wind installations. This ambitious endeavor underscores
Azerbaijan's commitment to accelerating its energy transition and
reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
Part of Masdar's extensive 10GW pipeline, these projects align
closely with Azerbaijan's ambitious target of generating 30 percent
of its energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030. By
harnessing the abundant renewable resources available in the
region, Azerbaijan aims to bolster its energy security, mitigate
environmental impacts, and pave the way for a more sustainable
future.
The groundbreaking of the Masdar 1GW Solar and Wind Projects
symbolizes a collaborative effort towards a greener, more resilient
energy landscape, demonstrating Azerbaijan's proactive approach to
addressing the challenges of climate change while embracing the
opportunities of renewable energy innovation.
In an exclusive interview with Azernews , Maryam
Al Mazrouei, Head of Development and Investment at Masdar, offers
insights into the company's vision and strategic initiatives in
Azerbaijan.
Q:With Masdar set to begin constructing three new
renewable energy facilities totaling 1,000 MW in Azerbaijan this
November, can you share more details about these projects and their
expected impact on Azerbaijan's renewable energy
capacity?
The projects collectively amount to one gigawatt,
comprising the 445-megawatt Bilesuvar Solar PV project, the
315-megawatt Neftchala Solar PV project, and the 240 MW
Absheron-Garadagh onshore wind project. With a combined annual
electricity generation of approximately 2.3 billion kilowatt-hours,
these projects are projected to save over 500 million cubic meters
of natural gas and offset more than 1 million tons of carbon
dioxide emissions.
Q: How does Masdar plan to collaborate with Azerbaijan
in the development and utilization of hydrogen as an energy source,
and what potential benefits do you see for both parties in this
partnership?
In terms of exploring the potential for a green partnership, we
have initiated a technical visibility assessment which is currently
ongoing. We are actively engaging with the Ministry of Energy to
evaluate various options for hydrogen offtake and assess potential
sources of green energy for hydrogen production. Once this
assessment is complete and we reach a conclusion in collaboration
with the Ministry of Energy, we will proceed with the
implementation of these projects.
Q:Regarding the creation of an energy storage system in
Azerbaijan, what types of batteries or energy storage technologies
is Masdar considering, and how will they contribute to enhancing
the stability and reliability of the country's energy
infrastructure?
While we have not yet initiated any battery storage projects in
Azerbaijan, we are eager to commence this work in collaboration
with the Ministry of Energy. Establishing energy storage
capabilities is a priority, and we are committed to closely
collaborating with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy
and Azerenergy, to identify the most suitable solutions for grid
stability. We stand ready to provide support as needed, and we are
fully committed to enhancing the stability of the grid.
Q: How is Masdar preparing to participate in the
upcoming COP29 conference in Baku, and what key messages or
initiatives will you be highlighting regarding your cooperation
with Azerbaijan in the context of global climate
action?
We are actively preparing to engage in the upcoming COP29
conference in Baku. Building on our successful participation in
COP28, we are enthusiastic about Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 and
have been closely collaborating with the organizing team to align
with the country's vision and objectives for the conference. Our
focus remains on supporting Azerbaijan in achieving its renewable
energy targets, particularly the goal of tripling renewable energy
capacity by 2030. Through our partnership with Azerbaijan, we are
dedicated to advancing sustainable initiatives and contributing to
the successful outcomes of COP29.
It's worth highlighting that Azerbaijan and the UAE, alongside
Brazil, are joining forces as the "Troika" of COP presidents
(representing the past, present, and future). This partnership is
geared towards bolstering efforts to combat climate change, with a
particular focus on advancing the "1.5°C mission" while also
amplifying initiatives across all key domains outlined in the Paris
Agreement. This collaborative alliance not only aims to build upon
the successes of previous years but also seeks to extend and
enhance the outcomes of COP29 more comprehensively during its
tenure in Brazil.
It should be noted that Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future
Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable
energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is
advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind,
geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to
accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its
net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and
invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity
of over 20 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access
to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable
future.
Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala,
and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by
2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the
same year.
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