Azerbaijan’s foreign debt is located at a very low level – $ 7.4 billion, if desired, it can be reset in one day, President Ilham Aliyev said, speaking at the ceremony of bookmarking the foundation of the Garadagskaya Solar Power Plant, which will be built in Azerbaijan Masdar from the United Arab Emirates.
According to the head of state, international financial institutions, large foreign companies and investors show great interest in projects in Azerbaijan.
Ilham Aliyev also noted that Azerbaijan puts the task of becoming a major manufacturer and exporter of electricity: “I want to note that this year, very important steps were made in the energy sector. In January with ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia), the foundation of a wind power plant with capacity was laid 240 MW. In February, the opening of a new power plant with a capacity of 385 MW built “Azerenergy” was held. Today we are laying the foundation of a solar power plant with a capacity of 230 MW. “
The head of state stressed that, thus, from the beginning of 2022, 855 MW of new generating facilities was created, of which 385 MW is already in operation.
President expressed confidence that in 2023 additional capacity will be included in the overall system, and this is only the beginning, since the development of renewable energy is a priority for Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan, being a major producer of oil, petroleum products and natural gas, will also become a major manufacturer and exporter of electricity. We must take into account that there is a great need for electricity in neighboring countries and on the European continent. We produce electricity only from environmentally friendly sources. – Natural gas, water, sun and wind, “said Ilham Aliyev.
The head of state stressed that the potential of renewable energy in Azerbaijan is large: “That is why the world’s leading energy companies are now very interested in collaboration with Azerbaijan in this area. I am sure that in the near future we will run new projects.”
Ilham Aliyev noted that he was pleased with the pace of development of the economy of Azerbaijan in 2022. “In January-February GDP grew by 6.7%, including the non-oil sector – by 10.1%. The non-oil industry increased by about 21%. These are all the achievements achieved in the postpandemic period,” the head of state stressed.