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17RENEWABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LIBERATED TERRITORIES
OF AZERBAIJAN
ALIYEV FAGAN GAMBAR OGLU
Professor of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku, Azerbaijan
MAHARRAMOV MOBIL ILGAR OGLU
Ph.D. student of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Baku, Azerbaijan
Annotation. The article examines and analyzes the possibilities of renewable energy in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. In particular, information is provided on alternative and renewable energy sources in Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions. The solution of the issues of energy supply of these regions, as well as opportunities for the export of these resources were also considered.
Key words. Renewable energy, green energy, potential of energy sources, bioenergy, economic District, hydroelectric power plants.
Currently, the use of renewable energy sources in the world is growing rapidly. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for 34.6% of total European electricity generation. The use of renewable energy in the energy consumption of several countries around the world exceeds 50%. European household and business centers mainly use wind and solar energy.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy production from renewable sources in the world is projected to increase to 3,750 GW by 2024. There is also a growing interest among companies in investing in renewable energy. So, in 2020, 23 companies from 100 countries signed contracts for clean energy with a capacity of 19.5 GW. Huge energy companies engaged in the extraction of hydrocarbons are investing in this type of energy.
Azerbaijan is a country rich in hydrocarbon resources, but at the same time, it holds great opportunities for renewable energy sources. According to estimates, the potential of economically viable and technically usable renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan is estimated at 26,940 MW, including 3 thousand MW for wind energy, 23,040 MW for solar energy, 380 MW for bioenergy, and 520 MW for mountain rivers [1].
In the document "Azerbaijan 2030": national priorities for socio-economic development" signed by the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the development of "green energy" production in the country took a key place. Azerbaijan's goal is to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy production in 2025 to 24% and in 2030 to 30%.In this direction, the sphere of renewable energy production in the Republic is under the attention of our state. At the same time, renewable energy has great potential in the Republic. This created great opportunities for the implementation of many projects. Azerbaijan has set itself an important task to become one of the leading countries in the field of' green energy". Important results have already been achieved in this area.
According to the Ministry of energy, Azerbaijan's renewable energy potential exceeds 27 GW of onshore wind and solar energy. Wind power in the Caspian Sea is 157 gigawatts. By 2027, Azerbaijan plans to produce 3 gigawatts of wind and 1 gigawatts of solar energy [1].
In the Economic Development Program determined by the state in relation to residential areas in the liberated territories, the economic territories located here will become a zone of "green energy". Sufficient availability of alternative and renewable energy sources in the territories of Azerbaijan cleared of enemies, including Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions, will solve the issues of energy supply to these regions and create opportunities for the export of these resources. It should be noted that in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, "green energy" covers an area of 10 thousand square kilometers.
All the reconstruction works carried out in these economic districts and the modern infrastructure built in the settlements have directed to the growth of future economic productivity. This, in turn, prepares a favorable basis for improving the living standards of the people living here and strengthening the stability of the economy. The work done to transform the liberated territories into a "green energy" zone, the measures taken to use solar and wind energy will ensure the reintegration of the liberated territories into the country's economy. This will further strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the South Caucasus region.
At the end of the XX century, the Republic of Azerbaijan received part of the electricity from abroad. Currently, we export electricity to four countries. In the future, the energy potential of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur will increase energy production in our country several times. The development of renewable energy is also aimed at this goal. Big plans have been drawn up in this direction and large-scale work is underway. It is planned to build a new 240 megawatt solar station in Jabrayil district. 140 megawatts of electricity will be obtained from khudaferin and Maiden Tower hydroelectric power stations in the near future.
It should be noted again that the liberated territories have a huge alternative energy potential. Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur have been declared "Green Energy Zones". According to Azerbaijani scientists, Kalbajar and Lachin have a potential of wind and energy capacities of about 10 thousand MW. The potential of solar, wind and hydropower stations in Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions is estimated at more than 10 gigawatts.
The transportation of excess energy in the liberated territories is nearing completion and the infrastructure is fully restored. By expanding the use of environmentally friendly and economically efficient renewable energy sources, the concept of "green energy zone" is being successfully implemented. The hydro potential of these areas, as well as solar and wind potential, is estimated at about 10 gigawatts.
Karabakh and East Zangazur areas are a region rich in underground and surface Natural Resources. This region has a potential of 7,200 MW of solar and 2,000 MW of wind energy. It should be noted that about 25% of our country's internal water resources, that is, 2 billion 560 million cubic meters per year, are formed in these territories. Solar energy potential is observed in Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan and Gubadli, and wind energy potential is observed in the mountainous areas of Lachin and Kalbajar. The main rivers of the region such as tartar, Bazarchay, Hakarichay and other small rivers have great hydropower potential. 7 small hydroelectric power plants have already been launched in Karabakh and East Zangazur areas. Also, according to preliminary analysis, it is assumed that there are more than 3 thousand m3 daily Thermal Water Resources in Kalbajar and 400 m3 daily in Shusha. According to the calculations and suggestions of experts, it is planned to transfer electricity generated both in Karabakh and other territories of Azerbaijan through the zangazur corridor to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and from there to Turkey and Europe through the International Project "Jabrayil" energy hub in the Future [2].
During 2020-2023, 11 reconstructed and restored small hydroelectric power plants (HPP) in the territories liberated from occupation by" azerenergy "Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) have so far produced a total of 110 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of' green energy". It is planned that the construction of 7 HPPs in kalbajar, Lachin and Zangilan districts will be completed in the coming months. In the coming days, the construction of 9 more HPPs began in Kalbajar and Lachin.
According to experts, the provision of 50 percent of the river is taken into account at each HPP. In other words, in order to maintain the ecological norm, derivation pipes are installed in parallel with the flow of the river, and the water from these pipes is released back into the river. In order to effectively use water resources, prevent floods and prevent water loss in all places, controlled water receivers are built in accordance with the river course.
The total capacity of 27 HPPs, which have been reconstructed by" azerenergy "OJSC and will be built and put into operation in the near future, will be about 200 MW, and as a result, 600 million kilowatt/hour of environmentally friendly" green energy " will be produced annually [2].
The Republic of Azerbaijan also has specific goals and strategic solutions to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation. Diversification of electricity production at the expense of renewable energy sources and the development of this area with the involvement of private investment constitute the main goal of the course on reforms in the energy sector of the state. Negotiations were held with BP, "Masdar", "Avelar Solar", "Tekfen", "Total", "Equinor", "Akwa Power", "Mitsui Co", "Quadran International" on cooperation with international companies in the use of renewable energy.
The first successful step towards attracting private investment in this area was the signing on January 2020, 9, of Executive contracts with Saudi Arabian companies "ACWA Power" and "Masdar" of the United Arab Emirates for the implementation of pilot projects on wind and solar energy with a capacity of 440 MW. These projects do not provide for any government subsidies, in addition to reflecting the existing tariffs in the country. Initially, the investment cost of the 200 MW solar power plant, which will be built by" Masdar " company, amounted to 150 million. US $ 240250 million for the construction of a 260 MW wind power plant to be built by" Acwa Power". It is likely to be US dollars.
According to the contract signed with" Acwa Power "and" Masdar " companies, after the construction of the 440 MW system, it is estimated to save 300 million cubic meters of natural gas in Azerbaijan. This volume is more than the amount used by the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on an annual basis. Or it covers 10 percent of the gas used by the population in Azerbaijan. By exporting this volume of gas, additional currency can enter the country. Renewable energy sources are also a solution for the energy needs of stations where natural gas production is technically impossible and economically inefficient.
As we mentioned earlier, along with the diversification of energy sources, meeting energy demand in the world without harming the environment is one of the pressing issues, and in this sense, reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere using renewable energy sources is an invaluable contribution to ecology. One of the main industries that generates carbon emissions is electricity. Increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation will also significantly reduce hydrocarbon emissions. This is also in line with the obligations of the Paris Agreement. By signing the Paris Agreement in 2016, Azerbaijan has committed to maintaining global temperature growth at two degrees Celsius, and in accordance with the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement, by 2030 it is aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.
The development of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan will drive the growth of industry and other sectors of the local economy, including in the liberated territories: Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Lachin, and Kalbajar. Azerbaijan is already producing equipment for small-scale renewable energy power plants, solar panels. The production of construction materials and installation services, which are essential components of renewable energy stations, contributes significantly to the overall development of the country's economy.
REFERENCES
1.https://minenergy.gov.az/
2. https://azerenerii.gov. az/newsdetail/69
