Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of the Gobustan pilot test site and training center

There is a great and historic event taking place in Gobustan today. According to my information, we are celebrating the opening of the world's first modern hybrid solar and wind power station in Azerbaijan. This is a great event for both Gobustan and our country as a whole. Because this means modernity, innovation and new technologies. We are now buying these technologies abroad, but a factory manufacturing solar panels, which is under construction in Azerbaijan now, will soon begin to operate. Thus, at the first stage, we must fully provide alternative or renewable energy to the town of Gobustan. If this project is successful, and I am sure it will be, we can apply this wonderful experience to other cities and districts in the future. Major investment has been made here. Solar panels have been installed and equipment necessary for the operation of the wind power station delivered. At the same time, training will be organized here at a high level to enable an exchange of experience. So I believe that Gobustan will reaffirm itself not only in Azerbaijan but also throughout the region as a producer of alternative and renewable energy. The opportunities of Gobustan District will be significantly enhanced. At the same time, the use of cheap energy will come in handy for every citizen in terms of the family budget. Because this is both cheap and renewable energy. I do hope that our citizens will soon appreciate the efficiency of the station and the opportunities of this innovation in general.

Azerbaijan is developing. Azerbaijan is applying all advanced technologies. Every sphere in our country, including the sphere of renewable energy which is new to us, is applying the highest standards existing in the world. You may ask why we are so interested in this sector if Azerbaijan has oil and gas. I believe that it is the countries rich in natural resources that should be leaders in these issues. We have natural resources. We have fully ensured our energy security. Today we provide not only ourselves but also neighboring countries with electricity, gas and oil. But we want this work to be carried out even more efficiently, so that we use less of our natural resources and fully utilize the renewable and alternative energy. With this aim, the State Agency for Renewable Energy was set up some time ago. The agency’s work is already visible. This is only the first project, and there are great plans. According to my information, an observation system is being established throughout the country now to identify places where we can produce wind and solar energy. Of course, these places should be close to the general power grid. At the same time, the system must be established on lands unsuitable for agriculture, so that we could make good use of our lands.

I want to reiterate that our natural resources, particularly the recently discovered gas fields, are of great importance not only for our country, but also for the whole world. In the future, at least for a hundred years, Azerbaijan will be able to provide itself and other countries with gas.

This system is a completely new approach. The world’s best practices are applied here. In addition, this is the first hybrid plant worldwide. Of course, this is a new initiative for our country. But I think that in some years the citizens of Azerbaijan, including the people of Gobustan District, will be rationally using the opportunities shown here today.

Things are going well in Gobustan. Funds are allocated for the development of agriculture, loans are provided through the National Fund on the Support for Entrepreneurship. Today I attended the opening of a new granary. Seedling cultivation is developing. There are good opportunities for agricultural development. As for infrastructure projects, such projects are being implemented. Roads are and must be laid. Gasification is ongoing. New gas lines are laid and schools built. Necessary work is being done to enable normal life here.

I visited Gobustan in previous periods as well. On coming here today, I see that work in the district is carried out at a good level. But the station we are opening today is an event and a project that has already taken its place in the history of Azerbaijan. The opportunities created here today, I want to repeat, will manifest themselves throughout the country in a few years. I believe that Azerbaijan's experience will be applied in other countries.

Once again my greetings to all of you and I wish you success.