October 20 is celebrated in Azerbaijan as Energy Workers' Day, a professional holiday dedicated to employees of the country's energy sector.
Renewables.az informs that Energy Workers' Day was established by a Decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on October 13, 2004. Under the Decree, October 20 is officially celebrated each year as the professional holiday of energy workers in Azerbaijan.
The choice of this date is associated with a significant milestone in the development of Azerbaijan's energy sector. On October 20, 1981, the first power unit of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant in Mingachevir was commissioned under the initiative and leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. This event is considered the beginning of a new stage in the development of the country's electric power system.
Azerbaijan modernizes its energy infrastructure
In recent years, Azerbaijan has implemented large-scale projects to modernize its energy sector, increase electricity generation capacity, upgrade transmission and distribution networks, and strengthen energy security. The construction of new power plants, reconstruction of existing energy facilities, and introduction of modern technologies have contributed to the development of the country's energy infrastructure.
One of the largest projects implemented in this area is the 1,880 MW 8 November Power Plant, built in Mingachevir. Inaugurated on June 24, 2025, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, it is the largest power plant constructed in Azerbaijan since the country regained its independence. Equipped with advanced technologies, the plant is designed to strengthen national energy security, improve electricity generation efficiency, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the power system. The technologies introduced under the project are expected to save 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually and prevent 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Azerbaijan accelerates its green energy transition
Expanding the use of renewable energy sources has become one of the key priorities of Azerbaijan's energy policy. Significant steps are being taken to implement solar and wind energy projects, diversify electricity generation, and reduce carbon emissions.
One of the major projects in this field is the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Power Plant, built by the United Arab Emirates-based company Masdar. Commissioned on October 26, 2023, it is Azerbaijan's first utility-scale solar power plant developed with foreign investment. The project is expected to generate approximately 500 million kWh of electricity annually, save 110 million cubic meters of natural gas, and prevent 200,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Another major project under the country's green energy policy is the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, constructed by Saudi Arabia's Acwa. The plant is expected to generate 1 billion kWh of electricity annually, save 220 million cubic meters of natural gas, and prevent more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Other large-scale projects are also being implemented to harness Azerbaijan's renewable energy potential. These include solar power plants in Bilasuvar and Neftchala, a wind power plant in the Absheron-Garadagh area, and the Shafag Solar Power Plant in the Jabrayil district. One of the country's targets is to increase the share of renewable energy sources in total installed electricity generation capacity to 30% by 2030.
Green energy zones being developed in Karabakh, East Zangezur and Nakhchivan
Harnessing the green energy potential of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, holds a special place in Azerbaijan's energy strategy. Under the Green Energy Zone concept, projects are being implemented in the liberated territories to construct and rehabilitate hydropower plants, modernize energy infrastructure, and integrate renewable energy sources into the electricity grid.
A total of 38 power plants with a combined capacity of 307 MW have been commissioned in Karabakh and East Zangezur. In Nakhchivan, plans are underway to harness solar energy potential and develop the necessary infrastructure for electricity exports. Solar power plants with a total capacity of 50 MW are under construction, while efforts are also being made to introduce energy storage systems.
Azerbaijan participates in the development of international green energy corridors
Azerbaijan is also working to establish regional energy corridors to export green electricity to international markets. Cooperation is underway on the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe, Central Asia–Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Europe, and Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye–Bulgaria green energy corridors.
These projects aim to deliver Azerbaijan's renewable energy potential to European and other regional markets, expand interconnections between electricity systems, and strengthen regional energy cooperation.
Development of new energy technologies
Azerbaijan is also taking significant steps to introduce advanced energy technologies. As part of these efforts, Battery Energy Storage Systems with a combined power capacity of 250 MW and an energy storage capacity of 500 MWh have been established in Absheron and Aghdash. Work is also underway to explore green hydrogen production opportunities, assess geothermal energy potential, and expand the use of offshore wind energy in the Caspian Sea.
In particular, harnessing offshore wind potential and developing green hydrogen technologies are expected to play an important role in diversifying Azerbaijan's energy sources, enhancing power system flexibility, and creating new energy export opportunities in the future.
Overall, Azerbaijan's energy sector is entering a new stage of development, combining the modernization of conventional electricity generation with the expansion of renewable energy sources, the establishment of green energy zones, and the development of international energy interconnections.
Renewables.az congratulates all energy workers on October 20 – Energy Workers' Day, recognizing their contributions to ensuring the country's energy security and advancing the development of Azerbaijan's energy sector!
