On the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, Azerbaijan celebrates not only the restoration of its territorial integrity but also the rapid emergence of Karabakh and East Zangazur as a pioneering “Green Energy Zone” driving the nation’s sustainable future.
The liberated regions are fast becoming renewable energy hubs, with multiple solar and wind projects already underway alongside a complete overhaul of power infrastructure. In Jabrayil, foundation stones were laid for the 100 MW “Shams” and “Ufug” solar plants, while the 240 MW “Shafag” facility advances. In Kalbajar, Baltech is conducting high-altitude wind measurements at 3,100 meters for a planned 240 MW wind farm.
Over the past five years, more than 1,000 km of high-voltage lines and new substations have been built. Hydropower leads the clean-energy charge: 38 plants totaling 307 MW now generate over 800 million kWh annually—saving 200 million cubic meters of gas and cutting emissions by more than 400,000 tons. Last year alone, local hydropower covered 40% of regional demand, with surplus feeding the national grid. Plans call for boosting hydropower to 500 MW, while four private 13 MW small plants on the Hakari and Tartar rivers and five more by 2026 are in progress.
Tenders are open for the 100 MW “Khudafarin” and 40 MW “Giz Galasi” stations on the Araz River. By completion, the regions will boast 1.6 GW of combined hydro, solar, wind, and rooftop capacity—double local needs—positioning the Jabrayil Energy Junction as a green export gateway.
The “Green Energy Zone” extends to smart urban development: over 1,500 buildings now feature 5 MW of rooftop solar, complemented by 200 solar water heaters, 3,000 energy-efficient streetlights, 20 EV charging stations, and smart bus stops. All new construction follows “Smart City” and “Smart Village” standards, embedding efficiency and innovation.
Victory Day thus symbolizes both military triumph and Azerbaijan’s bold vision for a clean, resilient, and energy-independent future in its liberated lands.
https://renewables.az/en/news/azerbaijan-s-karabakh-and-east-zangazur-are-being-developed-as-a-green-energy-zone