Wind power facilities launched to tap alternative energy
Two wind power generating facilities have been put
into operation in the Khyzy district of Azerbaijan to tap alternate
sources of energy in the country, the spokesman for the Ministry of
Industry and Energy says.
Azer Mansimli told the Baku-based ATV channel that the facilities, commissioned in the Yashma village, each have the output capacity of 1 MWt, with the figure to be increased 20 times in the future.
In addition, a 30 MWt facility is to be built in the Gobustan district in the foreseeable future. Construction of such devices on several islands of the Caspian Sea is envisioned as well.
The country`s wind power generating capacity is estimated at some 800 MWt a year, or 2.4 billion KWt/hr of energy, which allows saving a considerable bulk of fuel.
Further, Mansimli pointed out opportunities to produce solar energy in Azerbaijan. He noted, however, that the required facilities are expensive, and tapping this type of alternative energy is currently at the stage of research.
The ministry official said the companies to tackle production of alternative energy will be granted certain concessions to encourage interest in these activities. ``Possibly, customs duties will be somewhat reduced during the delivery of those technologies to the country and the tax rates applied to this field will be low.``
Azerbaijan surpasses a slew of countries for the number of sunny days during the year. For instance, whereas there are 1,000 to 1,500 sunny hours in neighboring Russia, 1,500 to 2,000 hrs in the United States, and 2,000 to 3,000 hrs in China, the figure is 2,400 to 3,200 hrs in Azerbaijan. In other words, the South Caucasus republic is sunny almost throughout the year - during 300 days, which allows generating considerable amounts of solar energy.
Industry experts say developing alternate sources of energy is not considered profitable over a short term and making a profit from the sector requires at least eight to ten years.
The most affordable type of alternative energy is small water basins. Azerbaijan commands vast potential to avail of this option. 61 small sources of water are available in the country, and it is possible to build hydro-power stations there.
Hydro-power plants currently generate 17 percent of all electricity produced in Azerbaijan.
In the future, domestic manufacturing of facilities generating alternative energy is planned, officials say.
The State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Sources of Energy, recently established by a presidential decree, is in charge of the alternative energy sector in Azerbaijan.
Azer Mansimli told the Baku-based ATV channel that the facilities, commissioned in the Yashma village, each have the output capacity of 1 MWt, with the figure to be increased 20 times in the future.
In addition, a 30 MWt facility is to be built in the Gobustan district in the foreseeable future. Construction of such devices on several islands of the Caspian Sea is envisioned as well.
The country`s wind power generating capacity is estimated at some 800 MWt a year, or 2.4 billion KWt/hr of energy, which allows saving a considerable bulk of fuel.
Further, Mansimli pointed out opportunities to produce solar energy in Azerbaijan. He noted, however, that the required facilities are expensive, and tapping this type of alternative energy is currently at the stage of research.
The ministry official said the companies to tackle production of alternative energy will be granted certain concessions to encourage interest in these activities. ``Possibly, customs duties will be somewhat reduced during the delivery of those technologies to the country and the tax rates applied to this field will be low.``
Azerbaijan surpasses a slew of countries for the number of sunny days during the year. For instance, whereas there are 1,000 to 1,500 sunny hours in neighboring Russia, 1,500 to 2,000 hrs in the United States, and 2,000 to 3,000 hrs in China, the figure is 2,400 to 3,200 hrs in Azerbaijan. In other words, the South Caucasus republic is sunny almost throughout the year - during 300 days, which allows generating considerable amounts of solar energy.
Industry experts say developing alternate sources of energy is not considered profitable over a short term and making a profit from the sector requires at least eight to ten years.
The most affordable type of alternative energy is small water basins. Azerbaijan commands vast potential to avail of this option. 61 small sources of water are available in the country, and it is possible to build hydro-power stations there.
Hydro-power plants currently generate 17 percent of all electricity produced in Azerbaijan.
In the future, domestic manufacturing of facilities generating alternative energy is planned, officials say.
The State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Sources of Energy, recently established by a presidential decree, is in charge of the alternative energy sector in Azerbaijan.
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