China Energy plans to increase investment in Azerbaijan, Huawei discussing building data center
BAKU. Oct 22 (Interfax) - China Energy Overseas Investment Co. Ltd plans to increase its investment in wind and solar energy projects in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry said.
Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov discussed cooperation with China Energy on renewal energy sources with the company's head Lin Xiaodan during a visit to China on Tuesday.
"The sides discussed integrating additional renewal energy capacities into the Azerbaijani energy system, a partnership for implementing wind power projects in the Caspian, organizing local production of renewal energy equipment and a partnership for green energy corridors," the ministry said.
The Chinese company's construction of solar power stations with a capacity of 60MW and 100MW in Azerbaijan's Fuzuli district and the possibility of connecting them to the power network were also discussed.
"It was also suggested to China Energy that it take part in creating a renewable energy research and development center. Agreement was reached on creating a working group to promote solar energy and offshore wind energy projects and beginning cooperation in priority areas. The intention to sign a corresponding memorandum on mutual understanding was expressed," it said.
China Energy "intends to increase investment in wind and solar energy projects in Azerbaijan," Lin Xiaodan said.
"China Energy also expressed a readiness for cooperation in producing wind turbines and their individual components in Azerbaijan, as well as in creating a research center," the ministry said.
Azerbaijan's participation in the Belt and Road initiative and partnership with Chinese companies in developing green energy in the country were discussed at a meeting with the chairman of China Datang Corporation Limited's board of directors Joe Ley.
"Shahbazov noted that Azerbaijan has proposed initiatives for green energy corridors through the Caspian Sea for exporting green energy to Europe, and China could play an active role in these projects as an investor and supplier of technology," the ministry said.
The possibility of investment cooperation with China Datang in projects for solar and wind power stations, energy saving and green hydrogen was also discussed.
Shahbazov discussed the prospects for cooperation in the energy sector at a meeting with Huawei's vice president for public relations Kai Sun.
"The possibility of creating a data center based on renewable energy sources with Huawei was discussed in the context of Azerbaijan's implementation of projects to create green energy corridors and a fiber-optic cable between Europe and Asia," it said.
