Azerbaijan possesses enormous potential for the development of wind energy both onshore and offshore. Its rich wind resources and stable wind speeds make the country attractive for experienced wind farm developers. By developing its own “green” energy sector, Azerbaijan can also help neighboring countries reduce carbon emissions — for example, by enabling their industrial facilities to switch from traditional fuels to electricity.
This was stated in an interview with Trend by Phil Cole, Director for Industrial Affairs at the European Wind Energy Association “WindEurope.”
He noted that Azerbaijan is favorably located geographically and has the opportunity to avoid mistakes made in more mature wind energy markets. This allows the country to realize its substantial wind potential more quickly and efficiently. At the same time, Azerbaijan can stimulate interest in wind energy in neighboring countries and take a leading position in the development of these technologies in the region.
“The strategic priorities of WindEurope in supporting wind energy development in the Caspian region are focused on maximizing the use of rich wind and other renewable energy sources, as well as promoting economic, technological, and environmental advantages,” Cole emphasized.
He added that the Azerbaijani government and industry face several important tasks for the development of onshore and offshore wind energy. The most critical ones include establishing an efficient auction mechanism that takes into account not only price but also quality, preparing a plan for the placement of offshore facilities, developing a strategy for electricity grid expansion, and simplifying permitting procedures for the construction of wind power plants.
Cole noted that delivering energy produced by wind power plants to European buyers will be possible through the Caspian–Europe “green” energy corridor and the submarine cable to be laid under the Black Sea.
“Under the memorandum of understanding signed in March 2024 between WindEurope and the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency, we will support the expansion of Azerbaijan’s wind energy potential. This support will be provided through the exchange of best practices, analysis of potential risks, advisory services on onshore and offshore wind energy development, and the transfer of European experience in power purchase agreement (PPA) markets. It is precisely this market that will form the basis of the future inter-system energy corridor in the long term. Thus, our support will primarily be of a regulatory and advisory nature,” Cole stressed.
He added that WindEurope will continue to assist in establishing connections between policymakers, regulators, and potential electricity buyers in Azerbaijan and the EU to advance the project.
https://renewables.az/az/news/windeurope-az-rbaycan-n-k-l-k-enerjisi-potensial-n-n-geni-l-ndirilm-sin-d-st-k-ver-c-k