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/11^th November 2013, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH^TM/ Azerbaijan has good renewable energy resources. The wind, which blows more than 250 days per year and may generate 2.4 billion kWh of electricity annually, is the country’s preferred option because of its lower cost, environmental soundness and unlimited availability. There is a great potential to use wind energy, particularly on the coastline and offshore, which is now recognized in official circles.

Azerbaijan has good renewable energy resources. The wind, which blows more than 250 days per year and may generate 2.4 billion kWh of electricity annually, is the country’s preferred option because of its lower cost, environmental soundness and unlimited availability. There is a great potential to use wind energy, particularly on the coastline and offshore, which is now recognized in official circles. Estimates for the technical capacity for wind power range from 800 to 4,500 MW upwards according to different sources.  This would imply saving up to 1 million tons of conditional fuel, preventing ozone-cracking (depleting) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Long-term surveys have determined that convenient windy conditions prevail in the Absheron Peninsula, along the Caspian seashore and islands in the north-west of Caspian basin. It is feasible to use medium-capacity wind power facilities in Ganja-Dashkesen zone and Sharur-Julfa area of the Nakhchevan Autonomous Republic, where the average annual wind speed is 3-5 m/sec.

Representing only 2.3% of total energy consumption in 2012, renewable energy (RE) will require additional investment to become competitive with the country’s huge fossil resources. The reduction of energy consumption for heating and cooling, which represents more than 50% of total domestic consumption, is another major challenge that could be resolved partially by introducing efficient technology.

The State Company for Alternative & Renewable Energy Sources in Azerbaijan finalized the National Strategy of Alternative & Renewable Energy Sources for the period 2012 – 2020. Presentation to the country’s President has been done at the end of 2012.  The strategy will provide a framework for drawing up relevant state programs, adopting a law and regulations on alternative energy and energy efficiency and developing alternative and renewable energy sources. The goal is to bring the share of alternative energy sources in the country’s national energy balance up to 20% in 2020 to install 2,500 MW of new capacity.

More information about current development and future trends of Azerbaijan wind energy market you may read here: CIS Countries Wind Power Market Outlook 2013 – 2018