Austria ready to share its technology experience with Azerbaijan
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan uses new technology of the world's leading companies that has paved the way for the creation of new production sites in the engineering and oil and gas sectors, Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy Gulmammad Javadov said hosting a senior Austrian official on Thursday.
Andreas Reichard, Austria's Deputy Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology, said for his part that Austria was ready to share its extensive experience in the field of new technologies, and that this sector is successfully developing in his country.
During the meeting the sides discussed the application of modern technologies to increase the production of energy from alternative and renewable sources.
Javadov said Azerbaijan has experience in this field, and the use of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources is being expanded in the country. He added that the South Caucasus republic was looking to use relevant experience of the advanced countries, including Austria.
Azerbaijan, a hydrocarbon-rich country, plans to increase renewable energy production and to reach 20 percent share of renewable energy in the electricity sector and 9.7 percent share in energy consumption by 2020 compared to the current 2.3 per cent.
The strategy on the use and development of alternative and renewable energy sources in 2012-2020 will be approved in Azerbaijan by late 2012, with its implementation scheduled for 2013.
The State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources, established in 2009, plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 20 percent by 2020 from the current 10 percent and $90 million has been allocated for the purpose.