BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 7. Current legislation
allows for the implementation of “green energy,” specifically solar
panels, on individual farms; furthermore, no permit is required for
capacities up to 150 kW, provided that the relevant technical
specifications are obtained from “Azerishig” or the nearest power
grid, Deputy Minister of Energy Samir Valiyev said, Trend reports.
He made the statement today on the third day of the 19th
Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition and Forum in
Baku.
Valiyev noted that one of the key outcomes of applying
artificial intelligence in agriculture, and in the agricultural
sector as a whole, is improved energy efficiency:
“Agriculture is a fairly energy-intensive industry. As for the
energy sector, digitalization and artificial intelligence are of
particular importance here. They play a significant role in both
the production and the transmission and distribution of
electricity. In recent years, in line with the policy set by
President Ilham Aliyev, the use of renewable energy sources has
expanded significantly. Managing these projects is impossible
without digitalization. Weather forecasts play a particularly
important role in managing renewable energy projects.”
“Since renewable energy is directly linked to natural factors,
one of the key requirements for energy planning is the early
identification of sunny and windy days to effectively utilize solar
and wind energy. This also contributes to the stability of the
energy system.”
The Deputy Minister emphasized that processing data obtained
through digitalization and forecasting is of particular importance
for balancing the energy system:
“In the agro-industrial sector, digitalization and artificial
intelligence create conditions for improving energy efficiency in
specific areas. For example, the use of ‘smart’ greenhouses
maintains the required temperature at all times and prevents
excessive energy consumption. At the same time, the use of modern
irrigation systems offers significant opportunities for energy
savings. There is considerable potential in this area.”
Furthermore, Valiyev noted that the liberated
territories—Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur—have been declared “green
energy” zones:
"Development, construction of settlements, and economic activity
in these areas are primarily based on the use of ‘green
technologies’ and modern energy solutions. Current legislation
permits the use of ‘green energy,’ particularly solar panels, on
farms.
If the system operates off-grid, farmers generally do not need
to obtain a technical permit. In other words, a fairly favorable
environment has emerged for farmers to take advantage of these
opportunities. I believe that in the future, not only large but
also small farms will benefit greatly from these modern approaches,
which allow for reduced costs and more efficient use of energy
resources.
The Ministry of Energy and the State Agency for Renewable Energy
Sources, operating under the ministry, are also ready to provide
farmers with technical and advisory support in this area.”
He added that simplifying the procedure for obtaining a
technical permit has made the process more convenient for farmers
and entrepreneurs.
“This creates additional motivation for the transition to
alternative energy sources. I believe that for this reason, people
will increasingly prefer alternative energy sources in the future,”
the deputy minister noted.
