Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources conducts test trials on a new wind plant Yeni Yashma, the agency reported.

“As of today, simultaneous testing of 18 of the total 20 turbines of the power plant is underway. After completion of the tests and their connection to the overall power grid, the station will start running at full capacity,” said the agency.

The wind plant Yeni Yashma, with a capacity to generate 50 MW, is located in Khizi region of Azerbaijan.

The first turbine of the Yeni Yashma wind plant was put into operation in May. Each of 20 turbines at the plant has a 2.5-megawatt capacity. The production capacity of Yeni Yashma wind farm is 50 megawatt.

Wind is another alternative resource Azerbaijan is reach with following the solar energy.

The country also plans to use the windy Caspian Sea to expand its alternative energy potential. Wind farms are expected to be constructed in the offshore area that has a great wind potential.

Today, the power of the energy system of Azerbaijan is about 7.2 megawatts. The total potential of alternative and renewable energy sources in the country exceeds 12,000 megawatts. Most of the country's capacity in this area accounts for solar energy, and this potential is estimated to stand at 5,000 megawatts.

Wind energy accounts for 4,500 megawatts, biomass - 1,500 megawatts, geothermal energy - 800 megawatts, and the remaining 350 megawatts from small hydro power plants.

Preliminary studies show up to 100 objects for alternative energy are planned to be constructed in Azerbaijan in five years.

In 2014, investments in the development of alternative energy in Azerbaijan reached 63.6 million manat. Of these, 34.9 million manat fell to the development of solar power, 28.7 million manat - to the development of wind energy. In total, about 800 million manat has been invested in this sector in Azerbaijan since 2000.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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