ACWA Power sees Azerbaijan as emerging green energy hub, chief says

Azerbaijan’s developed energy system and strong potential for capacity expansion position the country to become a major green energy hub for Europe and other regions, ACWA Power Executive Director Mohammad Abunayyan said in an interview with AnewZ TV channel. 

According to Abunayyan, ACWA Power’s interest is not limited to Azerbaijan alone but extends to the wider region, which could also develop into a green energy hub, Caliber.Az reports. 

"That is why ACWA Power intends to develop solar and wind energy, energy storage systems, green hydrogen projects, and water desalination here, which is already reflected in our latest projects," he noted.

Abunayyan expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his strategic vision and leadership, highlighting the official opening ceremony of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron wind farm as a clear example of the successful implementation of large-scale green projects.

"Thanks to his vision and true leadership, we were able to implement this large-scale project," the company's executive director emphasised.

He said that while many countries view the energy transition only through the lens of alternative energy sources, President Ilham Aliyev presented a broader and more balanced understanding of the process during COP29, which was successfully held in Azerbaijan.

"The energy transition is not about focusing on a single energy source. It is about optimizing all resources, complementing them, and working together to achieve global goals, based on a mandatory economic justification, not under political pressure. This approach makes the transition sustainable and effective," Abunayyan stated.

According to him, this vision enabled Azerbaijan to develop a comprehensive energy transition and green energy strategy focused on creating a balanced energy system and the necessary infrastructure.

Abunayyan also praised Azerbaijan’s investment environment, describing it as transparent and investor-friendly.

"Any investor in Azerbaijan receives fair treatment and predictable conditions. This is why investors from all over the world are coming here, not only in green energy but also in other sectors," he emphasised.

He noted that ACWA Power began operations in Azerbaijan during a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and major logistical difficulties.

"Despite challenges in the supply chain and transportation over distances of more than 10,000 kilometers, the Azerbaijani government has been a reliable partner, providing support at every stage. This is critical for investors," he said.

Commenting on the Khizi-Absheron Wind Farm, Abunayyan stressed the project’s uniqueness, noting that it consists of two independent power plants and benefits from exceptionally strong wind resources.

"The project has real economic value: local content is used at all stages, contractors are engaged, jobs are created, and significant added value is generated. Its value lies not only in the production of green energy and the release of gas or oil for export, but also in the expansion of economic opportunities for people," he concluded.

The 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Farm is being implemented under the independent power generation model and is the first large-scale wind energy project in Azerbaijan developed on an independent basis. The project plays an important role in the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate up to 907 GWh of clean electricity annually, supplying power to more than 300,000 households. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 400,000 tons per year, supporting Azerbaijan’s sustainable development and decarbonization goals.

The wind farm spans the Absheron (section 1) and Khizi (section 3) districts, including the villages of Chayly and Sitalchay, and includes the installation of 37 wind turbines—12 in Absheron and 25 in Khizi.

By Sabina Mammadli