New COP29 agreement paves way for wind farm construction in Kalbajar

Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA), Clean Energy Invest LLC, and Baltech Green LLC, have signed a memorandum of understanding within the ongoing COP29 climate change conference to implement the Kalbajar wind farm project.

The facility will be built at an altitude of 3,100 metres, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Clean Energy Invest LLC and Baltech Green LLC will form a joint venture that will undertake metering and design work.

The 200-240 MW power plant is planned to start commercial operations in early 2028. Due to favourable environmental conditions, the capacity may be increased to 600 MW in the future.

Kalbajar, a district in northwestern Azerbaijan, is rich in renewable energy potential, owing to its favourable geographic and climatic conditions. The district's mountainous terrain, numerous rivers, and abundant forest cover create opportunities for harnessing green energy sources.

In mountainous areas of the district, wind energy potential is generally high because wind speeds are higher there.

Kalbajar’s energy potential spans multiple renewable sources: small hydroelectric power plants, wind energy from the area's high wind speeds, solar power despite limited sunny days, biomass from its forests and agriculture, and even geothermal energy from the Istisu mineral waters. These resources not only promise to meet local energy demands but also contribute to the region's economic development and environmental sustainability, aligning with Azerbaijan's broader Energy Strategy.

By Khagan Isayev