(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 24. Masdar is committed
to participating alongside the UAE delegation at COP29 and looks
forward to supporting Azerbaijan's government for a successful COP
this year, Maryam Al Mazrouei, Head of Development and Investment
(CIS) at Masdar, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
"Every initiative undertaken by Masdar in Azerbaijan contributes
to the national target of tripling renewable energy capacity by
2030, which aligns with the country's goal of achieving 30 percent
capacity of renewable energy by the same year. As part of the UAE
delegation, we will be certainly participating eagerly," she
said.
Speaking of the possibility of inking more deals between
Azerbaijan and Masdar as part of the COP event, Al Mazrouei noted
that she will be "personally enthusiastic about pushing forward and
signing additional agreements" between the sides.
"Azerbaijan is a key strategic market for Masdar. We began
discussions with the Ministry of Energy in 2018-2019, and as we
speak, we already have one operational project. The 230 MW Garadagh
solar PV project was inaugurated and has been a great success. With
the strategic collaboration between Masdar, the Ministry of Energy
of Azerbaijan, and Azerenergy, we aim to expand and build on this
success," the company rep added.
According to Al Mazrouei, Masdar is currently looking to
implement a battery storage project in Azerbaijan.
"In the field of energy storage here in Azerbaijan, we are
currently in discussions with the Ministry of Energy. We are very
eager to implement the country's first battery storage project,
which will undoubtedly aid in grid stabilization efforts. However,
it is still in its nascent stages," she said.
Al Mazrouei pointed out that Masdar is one of the leading
developers of green energy and remains technology-agnostic. "Our
focus lies on several core developments, including solar PV,
hydropower, onshore and offshore wind. Additionally, we consider
secondary technologies such as waste-to-energy and geothermal
solutions".
"Therefore, battery storage aligns well with Masdar's overall
technological landscape. We maintain an open stance towards regions
and technologies, without any constraints. Wherever we perceive a
feasible project that also aligns with the country's objectives, we
are eager to initiate and propel it forward," she elaborated.
Further speaking, the company representative highlighted
Masdar's interest in the feasibility studies to expedite offshore
wind potential in the Caspian. "The development of offshore wind in
the Caspian Sea is part of the first phase of an agreement on
renewable energy development in Azerbaijan, and the technical
feasibility studies are ongoing. Once we have clarity, we will
agree with the government on the next steps for the implementation
of offshore wind and green hydrogen".
Al Mazrouei noted that there is significant interest from
various developers and investors in tapping into the vast potential
for offshore wind in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian,
estimated at 157 GW.
"However, offshore wind is more complex, compared to solar and
onshore wind. Logistics, supply chain, and technical assessments
are more demanding, and it is also more expensive. Thus, the
development lifecycle for offshore wind is considerably longer,
meaning it will take some time to implement such a project," she
explained.
Maryam Al Mazrouei further reminded that, in 2022, Masdar signed
two implementation agreements with Azerbaijan in the city of
Shusha, covering a program of 10 GW. "This starts with the first
phase of 4 GW and potentially expands to a second phase of 6
GW".
"The first phase includes 1 GW of onshore wind, 1 GW of solar,
and 2 GW of offshore wind and green hydrogen potential. This phase
already covers two solar PV projects and one onshore wind project:
the 445 MW Bilasuvar Solar PV Project, the 315 MW Neftchala Solar
PV Project, and the 240 MW Absheron-Garadagh Onshore Wind Project.
In this phase, we signed the main project agreements, including the
PPA, CCA, land use agreement, and investment agreement. We plan to
expedite the development and complete the construction of these
projects to meet the expectations of the country's leadership. We
are advancing the development of the next gigawatt of the onshore
project and studying the technical feasibility of green hydrogen
and offshore potential. It's ongoing. I would say it will be
completed very soon. Regarding the implementation of particular
projects, it will depend on the outcome of the study. So once we
have a clear outcome, then we will have a clear plan for the
implementation," she added.
Maryam Al Mazrouei went on to add that Masdar has a very broad
portfolio in Central Asia as well. "Particularly in Uzbekistan,
where we have Masdar's largest portfolio in the region. Azerbaijan
comes second, with projects amounting to 1.2 GW, including a 230 MW
project. We are also active in Kazakhstan, where we have signed
agreements for 1 GW and have started with 500 MW onshore.
Additionally, we are developing a 100 MW solar project in
Georgia".
Namely, Masdar is currently in talks with Uzbekistan regarding a
pumped storage hydro project, while technical assessment is
underway. "Regarding pumped storage hydro, it helps stabilize the
grid more effectively than battery storage, which has lower
capacity and coverage time. Pumped storage allows for building
larger capacities and offers better control over grid stability. We
are in direct discussions with Uzbek Hydro Energy and are currently
conducting a technical assessment. Once we have clarity, we will
proceed with the implementation of the project".
According to Al Mazrouei, Masdar's current portfolio in
Uzbekistan includes 2 GW of operational and under-construction
projects. "Additionally, we have a committed pipeline of 2 GW of
onshore wind under development and a 1.5 gigawatt-hour battery
storage system. Aside from the 2 GW nearing completion and
operational status, we are also expanding our footprint and
developing more projects in Uzbekistan".
Furthermore, discussions between the Ministry of Energy of
Kyrgyzstan and Masdar on further renewables exploration are ongoing
as well.
"In Kyrgyzstan, we are very active in hydropower and are also
working on solar projects. We have a program with them for 1 GW,
starting with the first phase of a solar PV project. Discussions
with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy are ongoing," she said.
Maryam Al Mazrouei reminded that last year, Masdar signed an
agreement with the Kyrgyz government alongside EDF for the
development of hydropower in Kyrgyzstan. "Discussions with the
government are ongoing. As you might know, developing hydropower
takes longer than solar and wind projects. However, we are
conducting the necessary studies, and hopefully, it will come to
fruition. The timeline will depend on the progress of our
discussions with the Kyrgyz government".
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