Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy, backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has launched the country's maiden renewable energy auction, seeking bidders for a 100 MW solar PV project to be located in Gobustan.
The winner of the solar power plant will design, finance, construct and operate the project. The power generated will be purchased by the government.
Right now, the ministry has issued the request for qualification (RFQ) round for interested bidders. Announced on April 23, 2024, the RFQ documents can be submitted to the ministry between May 7, 2024 and June 14, 2024.
It targets to complete the qualification process and select pre-qualified bidders by July 12, 2024.
"Azerbaijan's decision to introduce renewables auctions is a big step towards a more diversified and sustainable energy sector, and we are proud to play a key role in this process," said the Head of Energy Eurasia for the Middle East and Africa in the EBRD's Sustainable Infrastructure Group, Aida Sitdikova.
Azerbaijan targets to increase the share of renewables in its total installed electricity generation capacity to a minimum of 30% by 2030. Private investment in utility-scale renewables is part of the plan.
EBRD says it has helped the country develop the necessary legal and regulatory framework to introduce competitive procurement for renewable energy. It has also financed the country's 1st utility-scale solar plant in Garadagh.
Abu Dhabi's Masdar commissioned the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Plant in October 2023, as Azerbaijan's largest operational and largest foreign-invested independent PV project. It has also committed to building 1 GW solar and onshore wind energy projects in the country as part of its 10 GW clean energy plans for the country (see Masdar Signs Up For 1 GW RE Projects In Azerbaijan).
In 2020, the Energy Ministry explored floating solar technology on Lake Byukhshor (see 100 kW Pilot Floating Solar Project In Azerbaijan).
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