Masdar (UAE) has begun construction of Azerbaijan’s largest solar power plant with a capacity of 445 MW.
“As part of the project implemented by Masdar, the installation of the first solar panel support for the Bilasuvar solar power plant and construction work in general began on August 12,” according to a statement on the official social media page of the Bilasuvar district administration (in the south of the country). An area of 1,454 hectares has been allocated for the construction of the plant.
“The Bilasuvar solar power plant will make an important contribution to increasing renewable energy production in the country, increasing the share of clean energy in the energy balance, and developing a green energy policy,” the statement said.
As reported, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 445 MW Bilasuvar and 315 MW Neftchala solar power plants took place during Baku Energy Week in June 2024. Both plants are scheduled to be commissioned in 2027.
Once completed, the two solar power plants are expected to generate around 1.7 billion kWh of electricity per year. Their launch will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 830 million tons per year and lead to annual savings of 380 million cubic meters of natural gas. The total cost of the solar power plants is estimated at $670 million. These projects are being implemented by Masdar in cooperation with SOCAR Green (a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR). SOCAR Green’s share in each of the projects is 25%. The Bilasuvar plant will generate 897 million kWh of electricity per year, supplying power to 179,000 consumers (homes) and saving 193 million cubic meters of gas annually.
