BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. Extensive improvement and construction work is underway in the Kalbajar district, as in other liberated territories of Azerbaijan.
During this time, several initiatives related to the region's energy supply have been carried out. Work is being conducted in line with the Energy Strategy to transform the liberated territories into a green energy zone. Several small hydropower plants have already been commissioned. The Yukhari Vang Hydropower Plant (HPP), built in the Kalbajar district with a capacity of 22.5 megawatts, is the largest green energy source created in the region since liberation of the Azerbaijani lands. The green energy produced at the Yukhari Vang HPP can fully meet the electricity needs of the said district throughout the year for the next five years. Overall, Kalbajar possesses rich energy reserves.
TurkicWorld has explored the green energy potential of the Kalbajar district.
The district's green energy potential, based on the geographic and climatic conditions of the area, particularly suggests potential for the use of renewable energy sources. Kalbajar is located in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan and is known for its mountainous terrain, rivers, and vast forests. These factors create favorable conditions for green energy projects. The green energy potential of Kalbajar includes the following areas:
The district has numerous rivers and small reservoirs, creating favorable conditions for the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs). On small and medium-sized HPPs, electricity is generated using water falling from rivers. Such projects can meet the region's energy needs with low investment and minimal environmental impact;
The average annual wind speed in the mountainous areas of the Kalbajar district is seven-eight meters per second. There are favorable conditions for the effective use of wind energy. Installing wind turbines for this energy can help reduce the region's energy demand. Hilly and open areas could be suitable for installing wind turbines, thereby increasing energy production and supporting the local power grid;
Although the number of sunny days in Kalbajar is not very high, there is potential for installing solar panels and harnessing solar energy. This can meet energy needs in agriculture and residential areas, creating favorable conditions for solar panels;
The region's forest cover and agricultural activities represent a rich source of biomass. It can be used to produce energy from forest waste, agricultural products, and other organic materials.
Harnessing these potentials can not only enhance the region's energy independence but also support economic development. At the same time, green energy projects can also help protect the environment. To fully utilize Kalbajar's energy potential, the implementation of modern technologies and the direction of investments are required.
Kalbajar's green energy potential is multifaceted, and by using various renewable energy sources, the region's energy needs can be met while protecting the environment. The green energy potential of Kalbajar can be broadly considered:
In mountainous areas, wind energy potential is generally high because wind speeds are higher there.
The forest cover and agricultural activities in Kalbajar represent a rich source of biomass. Forest waste, agricultural products, and other organic materials can be used for biomass energy production. Biomass energy production can provide an environmentally friendly energy source, supporting the region's agricultural and forestry activities.
There may be sources of geothermal energy in mountainous areas, with the largest example being Istisu. The Istisu mineral waters located in the Kalbajar district are particularly notable for their gaseous and chemical composition, relatively high temperature, and abundant natural resources, which are favorable for use as a heat carrier. Depending on their thermophysical properties, this geothermal energy source can be used not only in balneology but also for heating and cooling buildings.
The efficient use of Kalbajar's green energy potential is crucial for strengthening the region's economy and maintaining ecological balance.
