Azerbaijan launches maiden renewable energy tender

Azerbaijan has kicked off its first renewable energy tender, seeking proposals for a 100-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the eastern part of the former Soviet republic.

The competitive round was launched by the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan on Tuesday and is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The public call for applications, accessible on the Ministry’s website, aims to award the construction of a solar park in the Gobustan region.

Request for Qualification documentation will be available from April 30, with Statements of Qualification to be accepted by June 14. The process to select pre-qualified bidders is due to be completed by July 12.

The winner will be awarded the right to design, finance, construct and operate the PV park, whose power offtake will be guaranteed by the government.

“Azerbaijan’s decision to introduce renewables auctions is a big step towards a more diversified and sustainable energy sector [..],” said Aida Sitdikova, Head of Energy for Eurasia, Middle East and Africa in the EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group.

The PV project will back Azerbaijan’s goal to generate at least 30% of the electricity it needs from renewables by 2030. Private investment in utility-scale renewables will have a major role in unlocking the country’s green energy potential and achieving that target, according to EBRD’s statement.

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