The issue of usage of alternative energy sources is actual in the world already for several years, but, regretfully, only several countries taker real steps in this sphere. Even, these are not countries, but companies and therefore no mass development is observed in this sphere. Currently, the moist realistic plans are in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia increases solar energy production. According to the plans, the country will produce 41 GW of energy by 2040, which makes 1/3 of world energy demand. Over $100 bln is planned to spend for realization of this project. The country has wide desert zones, which have solar energy potential. Solar power stations will be built here. IN addition, a large plant on production of solar panels is being constructed near Ar Riyadh. In parallel, over 10 large power stations will be built across the country. The country leadership has targets – to meet the country’s energy demand by solar energy. This is also interesting because of Saudi Arabia is a leader country in the world for oil export.
Currently, Germany is leader for usage of solar energy. Confirmed energy here makes 35 GW (26% of world production). Germany plans to get 80% of energy from alternative energy sources in 2050. The next places are held by China (20GW), Italy (18 GW), Japan (14 GW), US (12 GW), Spain (5 GW), France (5 GW), Great Britain (3 GW), Australia (3 GW), Belgium (3 GW). All of these countries have their development plans which gradually increase the role of alternative energy sources.
As it seems, the leader countries include only developed countries and China. This can be explained: 1) Usage of alternative energy needs a large amount of investments. 2) price of alternative energy for consumers is high. It’s clear that the first and the second factors depend on each other. Of course, there are different ways out – for example, the solar energy is almost owned by a private company in Germany. Moreover, the population don’t use centralized energy supply by installing special devices. Generally, solar energy usage reduces usage of traditional energy sources, as well as benefits to importing countries. Then, abovementioned Saudi Arabia does not correspond with this logic. However, it corresponds with other logic. So, the country is currently getting the solar energy by burning the oil, which is ineffective and inadvisable ecologically. Saudi Arabia has 24% of discovered oil reserves of the world. Oil makes 90% of export, 75-80% of state budget. According to the country’s logic, if the country intends to keep its leadership in the world for oil export, it should switch to alternative energy usage. As it seems everything is simple. According to statistics, about 25% of oil produced in Saudi Arabia is burnt for energy production, while export is more effective.
Such logic led us to think about Azerbaijan. So, according to statements by government and officials’, development of alternative energy sphere will lead to increase export of traditional energy carriers. The matter is about gas. Because Azerbaijan produces energy through gas. According to government’s logic, gas will be exported after usage of alternative energy. Currently, Azerbaijan is working on alternative energy sphere in the centralized rule. So, a State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources operates in the country and conducts state policy. As well, certain projects are implemented under the Agency. There are not many such projects yet. The most realistic and biggest project is Gobustan experimental hybrid polygon (38 ha). Solar, wind and bio energy plants have been installed here. The polygon aims to create solutions on sustainable renewable energy and its integration, as well as provide Azerbaijan with renewable energy and support development of renewable and alternative energy in Azerbaijan. There are 3 wind turbines with capacity of 0.9 MW, solar power plant (1.8 MW) and bio energy (1 MW) here. In the perspective, solar energy plants’ capacity will be increased up to 5.5 MW. Generally, according to the plans of Agency, share of renewable and alternative energy sources in energy production should be reached 20% by 2020. Concretely, according to Agency’s Strategic Plan for 2015-2018, the solar power stations’ capacity will make 369 MW, wind power stations’ – 187 MW, bioenergy plants – 63 MW. It’s impossible to say these plans will be realized or not, but government’s attention to this sphere is hopeful.
Different interesting projects are being implemented, while the governments start to implement their plans. For example, 5-star hotel complex has been launched in one of Maldives. Solar panels installed on the roofs of all buildings of the complex produce 1 MW energy on the sunny day, up several times from consumption. Remaining volume is accumulated and used on gloomy days. One more example is in India. An airport in Kerala state has switched to solar energy. Moreover, Japan Solaria company produces windows supplied with solar panels instead of glass. The panels have been installed between the glasses and are invisible.
So, different steps are taken in the world for usage of solar energy. However, these steps are weak. First solar batteries were produced in 1954. This technology is used rarely, for instance, in any airport or Maldives. If there would be an intention, the solar energy was already a tradition. Why did not it happen? We think the answer is clear. This was caused by majority of those how are interested in traditional energy carriers. And, there are interests based on oil and gas. The longer oil and gas are instrument of economic and political pressure, the later solar energy will be used.
Vahab Rzayev
APA Analytical Centre
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
