Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The Azerbaijan Ministry of Industry & Energy (MIE) is ongoing efforts aimed at developing renewable energy in the country.

Gulmammad Javadov, deputy minister for industry & energy says that the draft regulation on the State Agency for Alternate & Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Industry & Energy of Azerbaijan has been developed and submitted for consideration of the country’s President.

“The main guidelines for the Agency can be endorsed within a month,” Javadov said.

The Agency was established in compliance with the relevant presidential decree from 16 July 2009.

“Besides, the Department of Renewable Energy was established in the Ministry,” the deputy minister emphasized.

The Ministry also comes forwards for establishment of the Coordinating Council for realization of the State Program of Renewable Energy Sources that will allow obtaining the result in this important direction for short terms.

The State Agency for Alternate & Renewable Energy Sources will have 25 established posts. The Regulation on the MIE has also been specified in connection with Agency’s creation.

Currently Azerbaijan is a net exporter of oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and electricity. At the same time the State Fuel & Energy Complex Programme stipulates development of sector of alternate and renewable energy. Its current consumption does not exceed 10% of overall power generation.

A couple of years ago Asian Development Bank prepared the Concept of Alternate & Renewable Energy for Azerbaijan and was ready to finance up to $30 million credit line for its realization. The government then postponed the project and used only ADB’s legal and institutional recommendations.

12.10.2009 11:48