Technology

Masdar Unleashes The Sun: A Radiant Dawn In Azerbaijan’s Clean Energy Future

BY Steve Biko Wafula · October 28, 2023 10:10 am

Amidst the glow of the rising sun and the whispers of a hopeful breeze, a monumental chapter in the quest for a greener tomorrow has been written.

Masdar, the powerful beacon of clean energy from the United Arab Emirates, has illuminated the heart of Azerbaijan with its monumental 1-gigawatt (GW) Clean Energy Agreement. This landmark event unfolded in the wake of the splendid inauguration of the Garadagh Solar Park, the largest of its kind in the entire region.

As the sunlit spectacle graced the Garadagh Solar Park, two nations united in this extraordinary journey. His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, the esteemed President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stood shoulder to shoulder with His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and the formidable Chairman of Masdar.

In this moment of significance, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber raised his voice, calling upon the world to follow in Azerbaijan’s radiant footsteps, to chart clear paths towards an energy transformation that we all so desperately need—a COP of action, a COP of solidarity, a COP for all.

Garadagh, a testament to human innovation and cooperation, is Masdar’s inaugural venture into the renewable energy landscape of Azerbaijan. The company extends its reach across the vast tapestry of the Caucasus and Central Asia, igniting a beacon of hope for a cleaner, brighter future.

Under the azure sky, on the 26th of October, 2023, Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, signed agreements that would pave the way for solar and onshore wind projects, their combined capacity resonating at an astounding 1 GW, in the heart of Azerbaijan. This momentous step marks the progression of a 10 GW pipeline of renewable energy projects, first set in motion back in June 2022. It follows the triumphant birth of Garadagh, Azerbaijan’s maiden independent solar power project, grounded in foreign investment, which has now grown to be the region’s most magnificent solar undertaking.

At the helm of the Garadagh Solar Park’s inaugural voyage were luminaries of our time. President Aliyev and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, joined hands to witness this radiant masterpiece come to life. With great pomp and purpose, the 1 GW clean energy agreements were inked, signifying a brighter future, by the visionaries themselves: Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, the CEO of Masdar; HE Parviz Shahbazov, the Azerbaijan Minister of Energy; and HE Mikayil Jabbarov, the Azerbaijan Minister of the Economy.

This gathering of leaders, visionaries, and environmental champions illuminated the day. Notable figures such as HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy; HE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment and Deputy Chairman of Masdar; HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; HE Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, the UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan; HE Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

About Steve Biko Wafula

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters.He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com