BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.20
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The capacity of each wind turbine of Khizi-Absheron power plant in Azerbaijan will be 6.5 megawatt, while the length of each blade will be 85 meters, Deputy Energy Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Soltanov said in an interview with Trend.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the 240-megawatt Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant to be built in Azerbaijan by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power was held on January 13.
Soltanov noted that the wind farm will generate up to 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, covering the demand of 300,000 families. The Khizi-Absheron power plant is able to meet the electricity demand of a city as large as Sumgayit, he explained, noting that the figures are based on the household demand.
“The Khizi-Absheron power plant is not only the largest investment made by the private sector, but also the biggest investment in the electricity system in the country’s history,” said the deputy minister, adding that currently, the capacity of the largest wind farm in Azerbaijan is 50 megawatts in Yashma.
Soltanov went on to add that the project will allow to save 220 million cubic meters per year, which is quite a high figure taking into account the growing gas prices globally.
“The gas for electricity generation in Azerbaijan is sold at lower prices. As such, this power plant will bring additional revenues to the state budget. Aside from saving gas, the plant will also prevent the emission of 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Financially, the Azerbaijani state will save 500 million manats, as the project’s expenses will be covered by the foreign investor. The saved financial resources will be spent on other strategic sectors,” he said, adding the plant will be built in stages.
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