The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has officially designated a specific water area within the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea as a zone for renewable energy sources. This strategic decision marks a significant step in the country's transition toward sustainable energy production.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the decree was signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov. The move aims to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy utilization, specifically targeting the construction of offshore wind power plants across a designated area covering 711.4 square kilometers.
The Ministry of Energy is tasked with managing the selection process for electricity producers within this zone, strictly adhering to the "Rules for the selection of an electricity producer in the territory of renewable energy sources," which was approved by a presidential decree on August 2, 2023.
Once the decree enters into force, permits for the construction of wind power plants within this 711.4 square kilometer area will be obtained in accordance with the Urban Planning and Construction Code, as stipulated by Article 6.7 of the Law "On the use of renewable energy sources in electricity production."
The State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture is required to notify the Cabinet of Ministers within three days of either granting a construction permit or the expiration of the application period if no permit is issued. Oversight of the implementation of this decision has been assigned to the Agrarian and Ecology Department of the Cabinet of Ministers Apparatus.
Azerbaijan has been actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, leveraging the vast wind and solar potential of the Caspian region and the liberated territories. This initiative aligns with the country's broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and increase the export of "green" energy to international markets.
