The significance of the diversification of energy sources in the period when the global importance of energy security increases, the development of the energy infrastructure, as well as getting rid of the dependency on foreign factors rises as one of the important issues concerning all states.
Today, the fact that Azerbaijan, that was once an energy importer, exports electricity shows that the state has completely solved the national security issues.
If in 2006, Azerbaijan imported 1.8 bln kW to meet the domestic demands of the republic, in 2018, this indicator declined to 131 mln kW per hour. In turn, the export has grown by 78% over the past 10 years and reached 1.4 bln kW per hour. Since May of last year, Azerbaijan has started exporting electricity to Greece, Romania and Hungary. We should add that for the last several years, Azerbaijan has been exporting electricity to Russia, Iran, Georgia and at the same time, Turkey. Now, Austria and Italy are also expected to become buyers of the Azerbaijani electricity.
Overall, in 2019, Azerbaijan obtained 60 mln USD from the export of electricity.
The domestic demand is fully met; consumers are provided with electricity uninterruptedly. So far, more than 70 substations with the power of 110 kW and over 300 substations of 35 kW have been constructed or repaired. So far, more than 1 million 200 thousand new meters have been set up, and it plays an important role in the prevention of losses. Currently, works are underway to replace over 13, 500 transformer points with new ones.
This week, while receiving Vugar Ahmadov on the occasion of his appointment as the chairman of the “Azerishig” Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made some analysis of the energy sphere of the country and touched upon some strategic issues.
At the reception, energy security was reviewed as a significant component of the national security. It was also noted that to achieve the priorities set, over the past 15 years, new generation powers of approximately 3, 000 MW have been created; fundamental works have been carried out in the field of energy infrastructure.
President Ilham Aliyev: “Within my numerous visits to regions, I have attended the opening of a number of power stations, substations. I always familiarize myself with the situation regarding electricity in regions. Over the last years, there are big changes in this field, and this process will be continued. We still have the energy infrastructure in need of repair. We will solve these issues consistently so that there are no problems in this sphere.
The increase of the population and industry potential in our country urges this field to always be in the spotlight. Thus, when I took office as the President, among the infrastructure projects, this field was first paid attention to. At my instruction and under my control, a number of power plants have been constructed in regions. We have built “Khachmaz”, “Shahdagh”, “Astara”, “Shaki”, “Baku” power plants so that there is electricity in every region. The “South” power plant with the power of approximately 800 MW has been constructed in Shirvan city. “North-1”, “North-2” power plants have been commissioned. All this requires a lot of hard work and forward-looking. There was a time when we were dependent on import. Now, we provide ourselves with electricity and export as well. Export can be carried out in case domestic demands are met. We could totally achieve it”.
In September of last year, Azerbaijan further strengthened its energy infrastructure and increased its productivity by commissioning “North-2” power plant with the power of 400 MW.
However, the process will be continued to ensure sustainable development and boost export. Several directions draw attention in the concept defined by the head of state in this field.
Firstly, the preservation and further improvement of the quality indicators achieved in the domestic energy demand.
Secondly, the determination of alternative energy sources and their beneficial usage. The President said touching upon this topic: “Now, we are seriously engaged in the creation of renewable energy types. The wind power plant with the power of 50 MW already operates. Currently, private companies, foreign companies show interest in this field; they want to make investments in the amount of 100 mln USD, and we highly appreciate it.”
Thirdly, the full realization of the energy production potential and the expansion of the export georgraphy.
It is no coincidence that the works carried out in Azerbaijan in this sphere are highly appreciated at the Davos World Economic Forum. The Davos World Economic Forum has placed Azerbaijan in the first place among the CIS countries and in the second place on a global scale on the accessibility of electricity.
Vusal Mammadov
