Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

U.S. is going to work closely with Azerbaijan in the field of alternative energy.

The news was announced by Julia Nesheiwat, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State for Implementation in the Bureau of Energy Resources, during her visit to Azerbaijan, the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan reported.

"The U.S. is pleased with Azerbaijan's achievements in the field of alternative energy. Azerbaijan is known for its oil and gas, but the world must learn about it as a country rich in alternative energy sources. We look forward to close cooperation with Azerbaijan in this sphere," she said.

Nesheiwat visited Azerbaijan last week.

During her visit to Baku, she discussed the expansion of cooperation in the field of alternative energy and explored potential areas of cooperation.

During the visit, Nesheiwat and U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar visited the Azerbaijan's State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy.

Nesheiwat also acquainted herself with the work of the household waste recycling plant in Balakhany.

Azerbaijan, which is turning from oil-based economy to the non-oil sector, is now developing alternative ways of power production. The country has potential to use wind, sun, geothermal, and mixed alternative energy sources.

The share of alternative energy sources in the total energy production, including small hydro power plants in the country, is currently two percent. Azerbaijan plans to increase the figure to 20 percent by 2020.

The share of solar energy in the total volume of alternative energy in Azerbaijan is estimated to reach 40 percent by 2020, while the share of alternative energy sources in general is planned to increase to 20 percent of the total volume of energy consumption, which presupposes around 7 billion manats ($8.9 billion) investments.