Which areas of Azerbaijan better for alternative energy development?

The Institute of Geography of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) announced the list of Azerbaijan's territories that are prospective in terms of development of wind and solar energy.

Azerbaijan has a basis for use of solar and wind energy, the institute's deputy director, Elbrus Alizadeh told Trend.

He said territories that are promising for development of wind energy, are located on the coast of the Caspian Sea from Shabran city to Sumgait city (about 40-50 meters from the shore), Gobustan district, Absheron peninsula and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. In comparison to these areas, the prospects for development of wind energy production in Lankaran are relatively small.

"Other areas also have their own potential. But first of all there are good opportunities in the south-eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. These territories include Shamakhi district, Maraza city and Gobustan district," Alizadeh said.

He noted that the Caspian Sea and its coastal areas, including the islands, have great potential for development of wind energy.

The scientist also noted that the whole the Kur-Araz lowland area, Absheron peninsula, Gobustan district and Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have good potential for solar energy production development.

Alizadeh said that the number of sunny days in these areas has increased to 250-300. And this means that most of the year it is possible to use photoelectric solar panels there.

He also noted that the institute is currently investigating the effect of landscape on the placement of photoelectric panels.

Adapted from Today.az