ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor, and operator of power generation, water desalination, and green hydrogen plants worldwide, has announced that four separate agreements have been finalized for the development of new renewable energy in the Republic of Azerbaijan. With this, Azerbaijan now has wind power projects at a total capacity of 2.5 GW and the creation of battery energy storage systems for the first time in the country.
In line with ACWA Power’s commitment to lead and enable energy transition underpinned by its robust public-private partnership model, the company has signed key implementation agreements with the Ministry of Energy and a cooperation agreement with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).
The recent collaborative efforts between the two parties for the SAR 1.1 billion 240 MW wind power plant project, ACWA Power’s new MoU with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy entails the development of a battery energy storage system, together with implementation agreements for 1 GW and 1.5 GW of onshore and offshore wind, respectively. The co-operation agreement with SOCAR will ensure collaboration and exploration in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen.
Speaking about the agreement, His Excellency Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan said, “Today marks the expansion of our partnership with ACWA Power through wind power projects at a total capacity of 2.5 GW and the creation of battery energy storage systems for the first time in our country. These projects are further contributions to the implementation of the state policy which stipulates the development of Azerbaijan as a country of “green growth” and supplier of green energy. He expects the collaboration to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions, accelerating the energy transition, as well as ensuring new capacities for the planned green energy corridor from the Caspian to Europe.
Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power Chairman said, “Azerbaijan continues to maintain an upward trajectory toward a cleaner, more sustainable future under the guidance of its wise and forward-thinking leadership. At ACWA Power we greatly value our relationship with our Azerbaijani partners and with the signing of the new agreements today, we are excited to expand our role in accelerating the nation’s energy transformation.”
“We look forward to constructive, engaging, and highly valued collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and SOCAR– partnerships that we believe will drive significant achievements and help benefit millions of people,” he added.
The implementation agreements for the 1 GW and 1.5 GW wind plants were signed by His Excellency Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, and Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power; while the MoU with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was signed by Deputy Minister Elnur Soltanov, and Raad Al-Saady, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of ACWA Power. A cooperation agreement with SOCAR was signed by the Advisor to the President, Afgan Isayev, and Raad Al-Saady, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of ACWA Power.
The agreements are aimed at enhancing the Republic’s national electricity grid by integrating additional renewable energy sources, as well as positioning the country to broaden its export market and ensure the population benefits from battery storage and offshore wind capabilities.
