Alternative energy sources should be developed in remote regions of Azerbaijan: minister

"Particularly, we need to develop alternative energy sources in remote areas of Azerbaijan, where it is unprofitable and uneconomical to supply gas and built the power lines," the minister said at the 10th Baku International "Energy, Ecology, Economy " Congress.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan needs pilot projects to develop this sphere.

"Currently, we are designing a pilot project. I believe we will begin to implement it in 2010," Aliyev added.

At present, alternative energy sources are actively being developed in all countries not matter whether they possess large reserves of energy.

"Azerbaijan should not lag behind these countries," the minister said.

Azerbaijan may obtain alternative energy sources through wind, solar, small rivers and the Caspian Sea, the minister noted.

The Azerbaijani Agency on Alternative Energy Sources set up under the presidential decree has many tasks to do. The development of the legal framework in this area is the first one, he said.

Currently, there are not legislative standards governing the use and production of alternative energy sources and the relations between producers and consumers, Aliyev said.  Generally, the agency is tasked to develop pilot projects.

"Each pilot project will be linked to a specific area of the country," the minister added.

/Trend Capital/